VHP protests paintings, artist apologises

A group of VHP activists Friday barged into the venue of a painting exhibition at the faculty of fine arts of MS University, protesting the depiction of Lord Shiva in some of the paintings which they said hurt "religious sentiments".

The group, led by VHP activist Niraj Jain, forced the artist, Surpal Singh Slathia, to close the exhibition, titled "Painted Fictions", which opened on December 27 and was scheduled to run till December 30. Slathia also offered a public apology.

"After discussing the matter with the artist and Niraj Jain, we have decided to remove the objectionable paintings. The artist, however, has decided to close the exhibition," said MSU Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh.

Slathia, who is from Srinagar, said, "I had not intended to hurt any sentiments, but if my paintings have hurt religious sentiments, I apologise. My paintings depicted bahurupia (a wandering performer) dressed up as Lord Shiva."

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