No takers for art work

Even as it is trying to usurp Thrissur's place in Kerala's map as the cultural capital of the State, Trivandrum is yet to grow up. The people of Trivandrum, the snobs that they are, snigger at artists and artistes alike.

People still look at artistes working in the film world or the TV with some kind of aversion. An exhibition of art work may draw a small crowd, but it does not sell. They would rather spend that money on downing a few pegs or on a birthday bash.

The place of an artist or a painter is no better than that of a beggar or a prostitute.

As a recent incident in a neighbourhood close to the Suryakanthi exhibition grounds where the middle class, retired government servants proved. People frown upon those travelling, especially women, at odd hours for work. Mind you, many of the youngsters in the area are building their dreams in the cyber world, either in the Silicon Valley of India or a similar one abroad. And they do work long hours and keep odd hours too.

Do these puritans reflect upon such issues when they pass judgement on other women?