CPI-M apologises after angry US artist posts video against extortion in Kerala

Senior Communist Party of India-Marxist leader M A Baby has tendered apology on behalf of Kerala to American artist Waswo X Waswo, who destroyed some of his artifacts showcased at the recent Kochi-Muziris Biennale show, after unions allegedly demanded exorbitant rates to load some of his works onto a truck.

Demanding exorbitant rate by the workers to load the art works which he showcased at the show has caused immense shame to state, Baby, CPI-M politburo member and former state minister said in a Facebook post.

“We cannot console ourselves under the fact that it was not done by Centre of Indian Trade Unions and All India Trade Union Congress workers. Whoever has done it... disgrace is for Kerala. Not only that deliberate attempt was also on to blame left trade unions for this type of incidents,” Baby said.

All responsible political parties and trade unions have taken a firm stand that there should not be any extortion from anybody, the MLA pointed out.

Waswo destroyed some of his works and put the video of the same in social media in the wake of unfair wage demanded from him.

“It was very unfortunate that such an incident happened as a finale to the Biennala which had attracted world wide attention,” Baby said.

“The incident pointed to the necessity that we should be more vigilant in these matters. No body should charge exorbitant rate from any person whether he or she was a native or a foreigner,” Baby said.

Waswo, settled in Rajasthan, destroyed some of the art works on March 31. He uploaded visuals on the social media destroying some terracotta sculptures, irked at the huge amount sought by the unions to load around 30 boxes.

Read more stories from the Biennale: Can you hear the sound of the Earth turning?

Also read: A Magical, Mystery Tour

Image: A grab from the YouTube video posted by Waswo X Waswo raging out against the union extortion in Kerala. Photograph: Waswo X Waswo/ YouTube