Coimbatore: The Coimbatore District Police and the Artists Union have collaborated to present a painting about the prevention of COIVD-19. This 600 sq. ft. painting has been placed for display at the Gandhipuram signal.
Coimbatore: The Coimbatore District Police and the Artists Union have collaborated to present a painting about the prevention of COIVD-19. This 600 sq. ft. painting has been placed for display at the Gandhipuram signal.
The painting with a message 'Stay away! Stay Aware! Stay Safe!' has been done by 15 artists along with the police department. This 100 ft. x 60 ft. painting was completed in five hours.
The painting was done using waterproof emulsion worth Rs.8,000 and would stay for a minimum of three months.
The Artists Union is ready to draw and place such paintings at the four and six corner junctions and at signals where people gather, to raise awareness, with the police departments permission.
The Coimbatore District Artists Union Honorary President Maniraj also said, "This COVID-19 awareness painting has given us an opportunity to let the people know about the presence of artists and to showcase our talent. When tuberculosis was at its peak artists drew drawings and created awareness through wall paintings in every village. Before television and flex banners came about, radio, notice and wall advertisements were the only means to raise awareness. "
Talking about paintings for creating awareness, he said, "Just like wall paintings, street paintings can also be used to raise awareness. However, all government advertisements are given away to private enterprises. If these are given directly to the Artist Unions district wise then this profession can be saved from getting extinct. It will improve the livelihood of artists and hence the government should consider this request"
He further lamented that "More than 2,000 people were involved in the art business 20 years ago. However after the arrival of flex banners, the art industry has lost its appeal and only 250 people are currently involved in this business. This art industry is close to extinction."
Similarly, the police and social activists have been painting drawings of Coronavirus at primary junctions like the Gandhipuram junction and Singanallur junction with a motive to create awareness among the motorists who are out on the streets, without any essential reason.