Elections paint 'feel bad' factor for artists

Elections mean business, no matter which party comes to power. With colossal cut-outs of A B Vajpayee and Sonia Gandhi competing for attention and hundreds of banners fluttering on the city’s streets, banner makers and commercial artists in Pune are the ones who cash in when the nation goes to vote.
However, technology has caught up here too and the visual-scape that accompanies the poll-fever will be going digital this year.
Much to the dismay of commercial artists in the city, who until now, enjoyed charging a high premium during election time to ensure representations of national figures do not look like caricatures.
With the Election Commission keeping a hawkish eye on burgeoning campaign costs and the time consumed by hand-painted banners, political parties are opting for faster and cheaper ‘digital’ technology for hoardings and banners.
As per the normal rates, a simple hand-painted banner costs around Rs 200-250, while the banners that use new technology cost around Rs 80 to 100.
Rajabhau Bhonsale, a commercial artist and owner of Kalamandir Arts says, "A painter charges around Rs 50-60 per sq ft. But competition has dropped the cost down to Rs 25-30 per sq ft." Bhonsale recently closed down his banner and hoarding business.
Ramesh Mehetre from Ramesh Painters, who specialises in both, hand as well as computerised painting, adds, "The digital print is easy to make, endures any weather and therefore, lasts much longer. As many corporates use the same technique, why should the political community be left behind?" A city BJP leader elaborates, "As we strictly have to keep by the budget allotted to us by the EC, we have to limit the number of cutouts, hoardings and banners this time. So we have to look at cost-effectiveness."
Says Congress leader Mohan Joshi, "This year, we have chosen the flexo painting technology to make banners, as it gives us multicoloured, realistic image and consequently better results. There are too many hassles involved in handpainted banners."
The community of painters, situated near Appa Balwant Chowk and Shaniwarwada, who still rely on their hands, haven’t given up hope yet. "Some years ago, with elections on the threshold, I would have been flooded with assignments," admits painter Mangesh Tarale, "Today, I have no painting assignment from any party. Digital technology is fine, but the limited variety of calligraphy and lack of personal touch are its biggest limitations."
Painter Ananta adds, "The field is vast enough for us all to have assignments. Our business may drop, but they can’t do completely without us."