Graffiti proclaiming ‘Azad Kashmir’ and ‘Free Palestine’ on the walls of a University in West Bengal, noticed by authorities.
Street art and graffiti became popular in India after the 1980s, largely influenced by the West, the other side of the world. Although in the beginning these forms were focused on political agendas, later they gained individuality and independence and were legitimised by their artistic form. Graffiti and street art as art first thrived in metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata, now reaching various parts of India.
In a recent development, at Jadavpur University in Kolkata, West Bengal, the situation has become increasingly tense due to the use of a similar artistic expression, Graffiti.
Image courtesy- Elle India
Graffiti as a Historical Art-form
Street art and graffiti may seem similar but are quite distinct. Both art forms can be found in public, but they are quite different from each other. Street art is a legalised and recognized form of art that includes murals, wheatpaste, stained glass, or sculpture. Usually, it is created in the studio and is not considered offensive but is rather welcomed. They are more drawn to enhance the city’s aesthetic beauty and spread messages to the public, Like how we see art lathered on the metro-pillars.
Image Courtesy- Parkstone International
Image courtesy- B. S.
On the other hand, graffiti is a form of modern urban art often associated with rebellious street culture. It is one of the bad boy genres in art. It is a form of visual art created on public places like walls, streets, and trains. Well, Graffiti is a more egoistic and rebellious form of art, often taken as vandalism. It is directly displayed on streets, in public and private places. It is also a self-taught form of art. This art promotes the artist’s name or tag. They usually use spray paint to create their branding.
Graffiti in black with the slogans ‘Azad Kashmir’ and ‘Free Palestine’ appeared on a wall near gate number three of Jadavpur University. Despite the uproar, most classes and examinations were conducted as per schedule on Monday. The university now has been witnessing continuous protests over the past few days.
Image Courtesy- Free Press Journal
Meanwhile, the Kolkata Police has registered an FIR against the unknown individuals for allegedly painting the controversial graffiti on the Jadavpur University campus.
Background on University Graffiti
As the story developed, it was reported that the entry of ‘plainclothes police personnel’ onto the university campus, coinciding with the arrival of a professor associated with the ruling Trinamool Congress, sparked discontent among a section of students and faculty members.
Protests were being held for the past few days at Jadavpur University, where two students were injured after the car of state Education Minister Bratya Basu and another accompanying vehicle allegedly grazed past them during a left protest on the campus on March 1. An FIR has been lodged against Basu, and professor and TMC leader Om Prakash Mishra in connection with the violence while in the backdrop art, a medium of free expression has made it to the news again.
Image Courtesy- Folk Canvas
Feature Image Credit- Hasnain Riza/The Hindu
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