Exploring the Meaning of Freedom through Art and Conversation

A spontaneous, free, and unbiased conversation really brings a smile to me. Recently, my hotel stay in ITC Vizag provided an interesting insight into how different individuals perceive and interpret freedom, especially through the lens of art.

Statue Dilemma

Upon my arrival, I checked into a Marriott hotel and later moved to Vizag's coast, closer to the RK Beach and Ramakrishna Mission. The hotel greeted me with an intriguing statue placed in the reception area. Four naked women and sets of flying pigeons were the subjects of this artwork. As someone with traditional views, I avoided looking at these statues, finding no pride in them as representations of my nation's culture.

Many high-end hotels feature such bold statues, which I often fail to understand. I found that unless an artist explicitly explains the meaning, I can only appreciate their ability to draw attention. However, one of the guest artists saw it differently, praising the statues for representing a "free state of mind and body." Another guest, with a more liberal perspective, agreed, pointing out that the well-proportioned figures symbolize "freedom and a free mind." However, the concept of "liberation" by removing clothing is harder to comprehend, especially in the context of women of varying ages and body types.

Liberty and Objectification

The discussion continued among guests, reflecting a range of opinions. One guest shared her concern about objectification: if the statues included older or less well-proportioned women, the message of liberation would be irrelevant. While I do not actively promote such practices to cover the statues, I acknowledge the complexity and sensitivity of the subject matter.

Hotel Guest Discussion and Team Building

The hotel was hosting a team-building activity involving a group of 'spirited souls.' They expressed excitement about the idea of nudity in art, comparing it to nude beaches in some countries. One guest, a young man, argued that primitive people once lived this way and that civilization led to the invention of clothes. However, he did not delve into the philosophy or values behind the concept.

Interesting as the conversation was, it was somewhat troubling. One of the guests attempted to mimic the stance of the statues, leading to a humorous debate. Another guest suggested that liberated male souls might elope with liberated female souls, adding to the humorous and light-hearted discussion.

Respect and Professionalism

The conversation took a turn when one of the guests shared an incident of a liberated female who was caught making out with a liberated male in the office. This incident led to a brief explanation of the company's reaction, liberating the three souls by removing them from office duties. This incident highlighted the need for professionalism and respect.

Conclusion

The exchange at the hotel provided a new perspective on the concept of freedom and liberation. While it is an intriguing and thought-provoking subject, it is essential to approach it with respect, understanding, and a mindful attitude towards cultural and individual values.