Do's and Don'ts of preserving an artwork

(Nalini S Malaviya)
Once you start collecting art, you should handle them with care and display them in an environment that will help prevent damage to the artworks. Here are a few tips to ensure the paintings last for a long time.

What you should do

• Always hang them on the wall and use good quality frames
• Put them up in a constant temperature environment
• Make sure sunlight does not fall on the paintings directly
• Artworks look good under spotlights, but colours may fade
• Always use acid-free mats and backing for the frame
• Also, make sure the frame is treated for pests
• Ensure the frame is in contact with the wall surface and not the back of the painting directing
• The canvas may need to be stretched periodically, especially if some sag becomes visible
• Remove the glass from the painting and air them on a periodic basis (it prevents moisture spots from developing )
• Buy works from only those artists who are known to use quality materials
• Double-check the canvas and quality of paper, especially when buying from new artists who may not have the resources or the expertise to use quality products

What you should not do

• Never hang the painting on a damp wall
• Do not place them in the open where rain or sunshine can damage them
• Do not stack them on the floor against the wall or one on top of another
• Never put heavy or sharp objects on top of them
• Never store paintings in a dark, damp storeroom
• Do not try to clean with chemicals or reapply paint on any damaged surface of the painting

In case a painting does get damaged, take it to the restorers to prevent further damage. In case there is any fungal growth or mould development on the painting, it can spread rapidly and can even damage other artworks that are placed in close proximity. A damaged or a restored painting loses its investment value. Therefore, it is better to take good care of your collection.

(Published in Financial Times)

Art Buzz (New Delhi) 10 ml of contemporary needed!

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Is this art?

(Nalini S Malaviya)

Much has been written about the magic boxes that have been installed enroute to the new airport. These underpasses have failed miserably in decongesting traffic, especially at peak hours. Yes, I know, this column is about art and not civic issues, although one has to admit that our city roads just lend beautifully to an imaginative mind.
Coming back to the boxes, let’s begin with the first one that was built at Cauvery circle on Sankey Road. Those of you who have taken this route may have noticed the ‘art’ on the walls. There are visuals of an orange-coloured sun on either side of the wall as you enter the underpass.

According to some newspaper reports (which appeared around the time the magic box was opened to public), the so called mural was apparently designed and implemented by art students in an attempt to beautify these magical passes. I seem to remember these were done either free of cost or at a nominal charge covering basic material costs.
At the time, on seeing them, a friend had declared them a ‘monstrosity’ and an assault on the senses. I had nobly refrained from such epithets and had found them ‘childish’ but ‘not so bad’. Last week, when passing by, I noticed that the paintings on the wall look faded and patchy - the colour has actually left the surface in places, and therefore this cannot be ignored anymore. Whether there is a need for a mural in such locations is debatable, but once a project like this is undertaken one must do it right.
A mural or a wall painting requires specific skills, and a mural on an external wall that is exposed to the weather elements is that much more susceptible to wear and tear. We have some incredibly talented artists in the city who are known across the world, and there are a few who specialise in making murals. It is a complete mystery why the BBMP has not used the artistic and technical skills of those who have the expertise. The mural as it stands today is an eyesore and whatever the reason – budget or lack of skill - there is no excuse to inflict these on the unsuspecting Bangalorean and the odd tourist who happens to pass by.
Art on these walls fall under the realm of ‘public art’ and had they been conceptualised and executed with that in mind, we might have had a totally different take on this. Surprisingly, these ‘sun’ images have been duplicated at another magic box as well and they might be elsewhere too.
With these visuals multiplying at an alarming rate, I wonder if it is too late to do anything about them.

(Published in Bangalore Mirror)