Bathukamma art is not 3D'

Hyderabad: Art discussed and critiqued is an accepted norm. But when art formats are questioned, it is time to introspect. The 3D painting at the Bathukamma Ghat has come in for a lot of flak from artists.

According to artists in the city, it looks less like a 3D painting and more like an advertisement painted on the cricket field. The third dimension is visible from only one angle, they claim.

There are several principles involved in the making of a 3D painting, a senior artist, who did not want to be identified, said. “A 3D painting needs a pavement. This means a horizontal plane; it can be a concrete or wooden base or glass. Work begins with a draft sketch that depends on the dimensions of the area (the drawing on the pavement is a projection onto the plane). While the draft sketch will be visible at an angle to the artist, it will give the impression of three dimensions when completed, to the viewer,” the artist said.

The 3D painting at Bathukamma Ghat, which has been questioned by many city artists for many reasons. One among them said that the selection of the site for the painting was inappropriate for any form of art should not be stepped upon.

The selection of the site for this 3D painting was inappropriate, because any form of art should not be stepped upon, said another city artist.

Another bone of contention is that the city has no prominent 3D artist. The GHMC is drawing up plans to make 3D paintings at important and main junctions, tourist spots and other popular places.

Such paintings would be taken up by GHMC under Corporate Social Responsibility.

What is a 3D painting?
3D street art is often known as 3D chalk art. It is a 2-dimensional artwork drawn on the street that gives a 3 dimensional optical illusion. It can be breathtakingly realistic.