Art and Freedom
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What is Freedom? How Much Freedom Can an Artist have?
Here is an exerpt from a letters to the editor about Artist M F Hussein's controversial paintings.
This is a Letter to the Editor of The Hindu, from a practising Christian lady who was Professor in Stella Maris College, Chennai till recently; now settled at Baroda, regarding an Edit in The Hindu in favour of bringing back MF Hussain to India.
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Dear Ram,
I have taken time to write this to you Ram-for the simple reason that we have known you for so many years- you and The Hindu bring back happy memories Please take what I am putting down as those that come from an agonized soul. You know that I do not mince words and what I have to say I will-I call a spade a spade-now it is too late for me to learn the tricks of being called a 'secularist' if that means a bias for, one, and a bias against, another.
Hussain is now a citizen of Qatar-this has generated enough of heat and less of light. Qatar you know better than me is not a country which respects democracy or freedom of expression. Hussain says he has complete freedom-I challenge him to paint a picture of Mohammed fully clad.
There is no second opinion that artists have the Right of Freedom of expression. Is such a right restricted only to Hussain? Will that right not flow to Dan Brown-why was his film-Da Vinci Code not screened? Why was Satanic Verses banned-does Salman Rushdie not have that freedom of expression? Similarly why is Taslima hunted and hounded and why fatwas have been issued on both these writers? Why has Qatar not offered citizenship to Taslima? In the present rioting in Shimoga in Karnataka against the article Taslima wrote against the tradition of burqua which appeared in the Out Look in Jan 2007.No body protested then either in Delhi or in any other part of the country; now when it reappears in a Karnataka paper there is rioting. Is there a political agenda to create a problem in Karnataka by the intolerant goons? Why has the media not condemned this insensitivity and intolerance of the Muslims against Taslima's views? When it comes to the Sangh Parivar it is quick to call them goons and intolerant etc. Now who are the goons and where is this tolerance and sensitivity?
Regarding Hussain's artistic freedom it seems to run unfettered in an expression of sexual perversion only when he envisages the Hindu Gods and Goddesses. There is no quarrel had he painted a nude woman sitting on the tail of a monkey. The point is he captioned it as Sita. Nobody would have protested against the sexual perversion and his orientatation to sexual signs and symbols. But would he dare to caption it as 'Fatima enjoying in Jannat with animals'?
Next example-is the painting of Saraswati copulating with a lion. Here again his perversion is evident and so is his intent. Even that lets concede cannot be faulted-each one's sexual orientation is each one's business I suppose. But he captioned it as Saraswati. This is the problem. It is Hussain's business to enjoy in painting his sexual perversion. But why use Saraswati and Sita for his perverted expressions? Use Fatima and watch the consequence. Let the media people come to his rescue then. Now that he is in a country that gives him complete freedom let him go ahead and paint Fatima copulating with a lion or any other animal of his choice. And then turn around and prove to India-the Freedom of expression he enjoys in Qatar.
Talking about Freedom of Expression-this is the Hussain who supported Emergency-painted Indira Gandhi as Durga slaying Jayaprakas Narayan. He supported the jailing of artists and writers. Where did this Freedom of Expression go? And you call him secularist? Would you support the jailing of artists and writers Ram -would you support the abeyance of the Constitution and all that we held sacred in democracy and the excessiveness of Indira Gandhi to gag the media-writers- political opponents? Tell me honesty why does Hussain expect this Freedom when he himself did not support others with the same freedom he wants? And the media has rushed to his rescue. Had it been a Ram who painted such obnoxious, .degrading painting-the reactions of the media and the elite 'secularists' would have been different; because there is a different perception/and index of secularism when it comes to Ram-and a different perception/and index of secularism when it comes to Rahim/Hussain.
It brings back to my mind an episode that happened to The Hindu some years ago.[1991]. You had a separate weekly page for children with cartoons, quizzes, and with poems and articles of school children. In one such weekly page The Hindu printed a venerable bearded man-fully robed with head dress, mouthing some passages of the Koran-trying to teach children .It was done not only in good faith but as a part of inculcating values to children from the Koran. All hell broke loose. Your office witnessed goons who rushed in-demanded an apology-held out threats. In Ambur,Vaniambadi and Vellore the papers stands were burned-the copies of The Hindu were consigned to the fire. A threat to raise the issue in Parliament through a Private Members Bill was held out-Hectic activities went on-I am not sure of the nature and the machinations behind the scene. But The Hindu next day brought out a public apology in its front page. Where were you Ram? How secular and tolerant were the Muslims?
Well this is of the past-today it is worse because the communal temperature in this country is at a all high-even a small friction can ignite and demolition the country's peace and harmony. It is against this background that one should view Hussain who is bent on abusing and insulting the Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Respect for religious sentiments, need to maintain peace and harmony should also be part of the agenda of an artist-if he is great. If it is absent then he cannot say that he respects India and express his longing for India.
Let's face it-he is a fugitive of law. Age and religion are immaterial. What does the media want-that he be absolved by the courts? Even for that he has to appear in the courts-he cannot run away-After all this is the country where he lived and gave expression to his pervert sadist, erotic artistic mind under Freedom of Expression. I simply cannot jump into the bandwagon of the elite 'secularist' and uphold what he had done. With his brush he had committed jihad-bloodletting.
The issue is just not nudity-Yes the temples-the frescos in Konarak and Kajhuraho have nude figures-But does it say that they are Sita, Sarswati or any goddesses? We have the Yoni and the Phallus as sacred signs of Life-of Siva and Shakthi-take these icons to the streets, paint them -give it a caption it become vulgar. Times have changed. Even granted that our ancients sculptured and painted naked forms and figures, with a pervert mind to demean religion is no license to repeat that in today's changed political and social scenario and is not a sign of secularism and tolerance. I repeat there is no quarrel with nudity-painters have time and again found in it the perfection of God's hand craft.
Let me wish Hussain peace in Qatar-the totalitarian regime with zero tolerance May be he will convince the regime there to permit freedom of expression in word, writing and painting. For this he could start experimenting painting forms and figure of Mohamed the Prophet-and his family And may I fervently wish that the media-especially The Hindu does not discriminate goons-let it not substitute tolerance for intolerance when it comes to Rahim and Antony and another index for Ram.
I hope you will read this in the same spirit that I have written. All the best to you Ram.
Dr Mrs Hilda Raja, Vadodara
Have you seen animals doing wonderful art work?
Watch a super video of an elephant painting its self portrait before you get into the freedom of expression fight :)
We do keep reading about freedom of expression and authoritative restrictions, but we do not realize its impact unless we are personally involved in one such fight.
Jan 2008: The Dean has been reinstated. But the debate goes on.
Further Update
The Dean of the University, who was suspended earlier, has now been attacked by 2o people. He was on his way to inaugurate the National Students Film and Design Festival.
Update
I just discovered Plime is the best place for discussions. Check this thread on Plime - Artistic Freedom and Social Wrath
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I have the freedom of speech. Do I have the freedom to shout in somebody's ears? I have the freedom to move my hands and feet. Can I do it to hurt someone?
In a society, who decides what is right and what is wrong? How many of us realize our free expressions could hurt someone's feelings?
Looking at it from another point of view, when my feelings are hurt how do I express it in such a manner that I convey this message to my opponent - "I won't hurt anyone with my freedom of expression and I do not want you to hurt anyone too?"
If I turn violent I will be conveying the message - "I do not value the responsibility that comes with freedom. I don't care if I hurt you".
In such a case I cannot expect my opponent to listen to me.
I need to express I am hurt, I need to ensure that my opponent does not hurt me again, but I need to do it gently, firmly and with authority minus force.
Complicated is it not?
I am presenting a case that happened in M S University, Baroda, Gujarat, India.
An artist hurt the feelings of different religious groups by portraying Goddess Durga, Jesus and 'The Cross' in a way they consider as inappropriate.
The artist has been arrested.
I want you to read the views of two sections of people. Who do you agree with?
Do we have the freedom to say whatever we want?
Should we have the freedom to express ourselves in any way?
What kind of restrictions, most importantly, self imposed restrictions, should artists, writers, etc. impose on themselves?
What would you do in situations like these
- if you were the artist?
- if you were the person whose sentiments are hurt?
Feel free to post comments on my guest book.
Want to Express Your Ideas on Freedom?
Just give it to me straight......
Post your comments here.
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selfdefenseclique
Jun 5, 2009 @ 3:07 am | delete
- hey you have got a nice and well made lens. i really liked your work and feel that you have done a great job. the various emotions which you have discussed above are really worth reading. you have discussed artistic work in a new way.
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rangoo
Jan 28, 2008 @ 11:23 pm | delete
- An artist has a canvas that goes beyond the world and it should be possible for artists to convey their ideas without hurting anyone's sentiments.
People who believe in any religion hold a faith that extends beyond the world and it should be possible for them to take things lightly.
I think the Gods who are considered omniscient and omnipotent have allowed freedom of expression - otherwise the people who say there is no God would have been crushed to dust immediately.
May be, the higher you reach and the closer you are to God the more tolerant you become.
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Eleanor
Jan 28, 2008 @ 11:06 pm | delete
- I think it only matters how you look at it. The artist MUST have had a purpose to do something like that. Maybe we could see his reasons and try to understand him. If we can't, then we've just got to accept that not everyone's the same, not everyone's like you and that there are differing opinions out there. We've just got to learn to be open and understanding.
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Atanu
Jun 4, 2007 @ 5:22 am | delete
- Artistic freedom and state power has often come into conflicts. However, when the state assumes that it holds the reins to all kinds of interpretation and is always right, then the problem arises. Similarly, when art claims supreme liberty without any social responsibilities, the problem is more con
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Anil Pandey
May 28, 2007 @ 10:44 pm | delete
- Everybody has a right to freedom of speech. However, it does not mean you can do or say anything. The overall society has to be kept in mind. The artist can express himself, but he has to see that others' feelings are not hurt. Freedom of express is never absolute. The artists should keep it in mind
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M.K. Srinivasan
May 28, 2007 @ 1:22 am | delete
- Society gives freedom to individuals to express thier creative urges. These undertake the form of writing, expressing ideas through symbolism (painting), music and the performing arts.But creative urges cannot hurt the sentiments of society nor artists can claim unbridled freedom.
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vishal
May 26, 2007 @ 5:43 am | delete
- this issued is very adversed affected in our society because freedom is limited with ours underwel(pent) not others ....and daity is prohibated for valgarity and i think Law has passed for freedom of culture and fine arts issed
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Charmaine
May 25, 2007 @ 6:41 pm | delete
- Who are these people, all of a sudden trying their best to curtail an individual creation,art/literature whatever form it comes in.I completely support the Artist.Its His vision,his creation,his work.One can at the most critize another's art since its open to public,but has no right to condemn him.
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Manoj Chhaya
May 23, 2007 @ 1:30 pm | delete
- The complex equation of authority-force is very apt. The dean should not have been suspended. the action ends the very premis of university education. If the artist created what and as he did for the consumption of society, it has to be considerate of the target.
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Sultanali
May 22, 2007 @ 8:42 pm | delete
- You can always voice your views for/against anything. You cannot use violence to impose your views on anybody just because you have muscle power. Ours is a democratic country with rights and duties clearly enshrined in our constitution and we have a rule of law to be respected by every citizen
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kalyani
May 22, 2007 @ 8:11 am | delete
- See, i take a neutral stand. an artist has his own imagination and innovation to draw or paint.it is not going to hurt anybody. but he wants to exhibit them to the public it is definitely going to hurt the people who have other ideas. but i think people are making it more ugli opposing it.
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Nancy
May 22, 2007 @ 7:58 am | delete
- One of the main functions of art is to inspire -- AND to move people to think. Art can challenge my beliefs, and why I hold them. But let's remember the law of karma too -- mean spirited actions that cause suffering will come back to those who created it and that karma will be meted out somehow!
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niyati vaidya mehta
May 22, 2007 @ 2:33 am | delete
- im on d ppl's side who r my people n my countymen.india is no doubt ONE country but it bcms vry touchy n fussy asfaras its religions r concerned.as the citizen of india we get freedom to express our views by difrnt difrnt ways but mind well authority cms with responsibilty n v mustnt play wid it.
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ramakant desai
May 21, 2007 @ 5:39 am | delete
- Freedom of Expression and individual space are a must in a democracy. However we should not tread on other people's toes while expressing ourself. An ideal which is held in high reverence rightly or wrongly by a large mass should not be attacked in name of individual's freedom. It's crime under law.
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chitra
May 21, 2007 @ 5:28 am | delete
- I am on the people's side. It has hurt my sentiment to see the paintings of Jesus and Durgama being depicted in such an ugly manner. I am angry at the artist who has conceived it in such a horrific and derogatory manner. I must say that he is not an 'artist' but a filthy animal of the lowest order.
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rangoo
May 21, 2007 @ 2:52 am | delete
- Whose side are you? The artist or the people whose sentiments are hurt?
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The Absolute Freedom is.....
freedom from our own limitations...
Listen to The People Who Were Hurt.....
A Brief Report on the Recent Incidences At the MSU, Baroda

The Maharaja Sayajirao Universiy of Baroda is amongst the top Universities in the country with very high global repute. The Faculty of Fine Arts is amongst its very best Faculties and is one of the top ranking institutions world-wide in the field of Fine Arts.
On 9 May 2007, the citizens of Vadodara lodged their strong protest at the Faculty of Fine Arts, of the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. The protest was against an exhibition displaying a number of artworks deeply hurting the sentiments of Faith and decency of the society at large.
It is noteworthy that during his telephonic conversation with the Vice-Chancellor over this incidence of protest, the then in-charge Dean Professor S. K. Panniker (who is currently suspended from the University Services) also termed these works of art as "objectionable".
The protest was verbal and peaceful. The citizens had come to the Faculty of Fine Arts having read a news item in the Times of India dated 07 May 2007 and Gujarati daily Sandes dated 09 May 2007. These news items mentioned that the Works of Art created by the students of the Faculty as a part of their Annual Examination were open for public display on the 9th May 2007. Such public display has been a tradition. In fact, one of the teachers of the Faculty had sent messages through SMS inviting people to the display at the Faculty of Fine Arts. Thus, the claim in the media that the display was not open for public is untrue.
These citizens noticed that some of the works of Art displayed at the Faculty were highly deplorable.
One of the so-called work of Art was a huge Christian Cross where Lord Jesus Christ was shown with his penis out on the Cross, his palms and feet hanging from the two sides and the bottom of the Cross, respectively. Semen was shown as dropping out of his penis into a real toilet commode placed beneath the Cross. The toilet contained fishes.
Another very large sized painting showed a woman in nude posture. A baby was shown as attempting to come out of the vagina of the women. The picture depicted the women trying to attack the baby with a Trishul. The painting had the words "DURGA MATA" written at the bottom.
Similarly Lord Shiva and Lord Visnhu were also depicted in a highly derogatory manner in other so-called works of Art.
To read about the actions taken go to
The Supporters of The Artist
Listen to The Other Point Of View....
The petition is available at http://www.petitiononline.com/MSUAUTO
That afternoon, Vadodara-based BJP leader Niraj Jain (accused for the 2002 Gujarat carnage by Concerned Citizens Tribunal - Gujarat), stormed into the Faculty premises, accompanied by local police and some accomplices. They manhandled Chandramohan, a final year MA student (and recipient of the Gujarat Lalit Kala Academy Award, 2005-06) who had put up some graphic prints. They accused him of offending their religious sentiments, saying that he had portrayed the goddess Durga in an obscene way. Dr. Shivji Panikkar, the Dean in charge, was also threatened with dire consequences by Niraj Jain and his cohorts.
Subsequently, Chandramohan was arrested and charged under sections 153A, 114, and 295 of the Indian Penal Code for "promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race etc, committing acts prejudicial to the harmony of the public".
Read the complete email at Review Your Freedom Of Speech.
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