The biggest Art Exhibition of students of College of Art, Delhi University, has just taken off. Though this is an annual feature of the College of Art but several new things have been added in the exhibition and college. In ‘Talk of the Week’ this week fachcha.com talked with college> Principal Prof. M. Vijaymohan, who has been associated with college for over 30 years in different capacities, in detail to know about different aspects of the college and exhibition as well. Excerpts:

fachcha.com: Tell us about the exhibition?
VM: See, it is an annual feature. For last 57 years the institution has been organizing such kind of exhibition. It is an important event and much awaited event for Art connoisseurs, curators, art galleries, artists and for all those who have been associated with art and love it. Over 2000 paintings have been shown in the exhibition.

fachcha.com: How do you select paintings or art work for the exhibition?
VM: This is very important event for each and every student of the college and all the students have to participate compulsorily in this annual exhibition. This also provides them a chance to show their genius to the experts and common people through their works. As far as selection process is concerned, we have adopted students’ friendly approach in this regard. We do not have committee or selection process as such. In fact, we ask students that what works or paintings or sculptures they would like to present in the exhibition. They themselves present their best work for the purpose. Sometimes we (teachers) suggest them (students) to show the particular works as it is better than others. Sometimes we suggest some modifications to make their work better for the purpose.

fachcha.com: How many students are there in the college?
VM: There are 211 students in different streams of BFA and 55 students in MFA. Apart from it there are non-collegiate students also. College of Art’s students include former Home Secretary of India, Army Generals, noted eye surgeon. Even some of the people have taken leave for two years from their government services to join the classes.

fachcha.com: It is a common perception that these are not mainstream courses and students of these courses can not cope up with the challenging world?
VM: These students are genius people. Have you ever seen programme ‘Gustaakhi Maaf’ on NDTV. The puppet show is a creation of our painting student. Now over 20 students of the college are directly or indirectly associated with this show. There are over 200 channels in the country and no body can run without a student of fine art. There are other avenues too where our students are performing very well. Some of our students are internationally established. Some of our students and faculty are contributing in beautification of Delhi during the Commonwealth Games. Despite that if people believe so let them believe.

fachcha.com: What is the selection process for BFA?
VM: 50% marks is minimum eligibility criteria to get admission in BFA. We conduct an aptitude test for aspirants. On the basis of the test we prepare a merit list and give them admission in the course.

fachcha.com: What is special about the exhibition this time?
VM: We have invited senior students of 14 premier Art Colleges in the country in this event. Their works have also been displayed in the exhibition. The exhibition include paintings in oil, water colour, mixed media, drawing advertising material posters, sculptures in bronze, fiber, glass, cement, stone, marble and several others.