Ladyspeak: Discovering our Past

Ms. Madhu Rani is an art conservator in Bangalore.

IN INDIA, art has a formative effect in the way we think and feel. The past is very precious as it a living account of a life as it was, which will in turn define the present and ascertain the future. Artistic creations are important not only for their aesthetic appeal but also in the role they play in furthering human knowledge. These creations not only evoke a sense of awe, but also serve as symbols of cultural identity and continuity of our civilisation.

As a person who loved and appreciated dated artefacts, I naturally gravitated towards art restoration, when INTACH opened their centre in Chitrakala Parishat during my college days there. I had soon become a permanent fixture at the restoration labs constantly observing and learning the various procedures, breaking away to attend a class or two. While many of my classmates went on to join web-designing outfits I found extreme pleasure in revealing the secrets hidden within a painting or a metal jar and returning it to its original splendour.

As a part of my job profile our team travels to various historical sites to execute various restoration projects. The sheer neglect and the disinterest of the very officials who are supposed to preserve the site often brings tears of fury to my eyes. Antique pieces are carelessly stuffed in gunny bags and stacked, irresponsible caretakers punch holes on the murals to draw wires or garishly repaint them for visiting dignitaries, to cite a few instances of neglect.

Over the years this apathy towards our heritage has led to the destruction of many of our artefacts, which are in fact repositories of knowledge. Each and every assignment is new experience, which exposed me to various cultures from different parts of the country. I also got to learn the most advanced methods of preservation and restoration.

For a very long time my parents couldn't understand how I could feel so strongly about a picture on the wall and opt for chipping away at flaked layers of paint rather than designing bridges! The backbreaking work of lugging heavy frames, stretching the canvas, and mounting involved, dispels any image of glamour attached to the profession.

The sense of satisfaction that arises from saving a piece of our country's heritage is unparalleled. I know I cannot save all of them, but I will do my bit to make sure that our art is appreciated for its true worth and value.

AS TOLD TO MALINI SURYANARAYANAN