Art welcome, but need focus on basics first

The installation art at Worli traffic island

One has seen a real uptick in art in the city, especially in the two years of the pandemic. The quality of the work on the infrastructure of Mumbai has improved, said an artist in a report in this paper. The artist created an installation of two cutting chai glasses, and the work is showcased at a Worli traffic garden.

Art is suddenly much more visible in Mumbai and there is also a civic body push behind some of these works. Near Worli Sea Face, a lane has been painted with the Koli theme and given a facelift, overall.

The shooting range now has a whitewash and some art on its walls. South Mumbai has some walls painted over with different themes, one opposite the Cooperage Stadium has an old-world theme in black ‘n' white.

It is good to see local representatives and the civic body formalising this push and at places, involving the community in these projects. We have a thumbs up for aesthetics, certainly needed here, but having said that, we want authorities not to lose sight of basics.

Better pavements for pedestrians. Keeping a wary eye out for encroachment and taking quick, effective, remedial action to clear takeover of public spaces is paramount. For road repairs, the agency responsible needs to respond rather than a constant passing the buck, merry-go-round on these problems.

Walls that may have collapsed need repair and should be built back up. There must be enough waste bins lining our streets, so that people are not tempted to litter. Good lighting and an accent on hygiene is all part of these responsibilities.

While art is eye-catching and can certainly be the ‘frill' on the megapolis, what is vital is getting our fundamentals, and civic amenities spot on. The ‘canvas' which is Mumbai needs to be clean and on a strong easel and only then can an artist showcase his or her work.