Diamonds in the Rough

While there is an over-emphasis on the academic approach pushed by the faculty members,the students have displayed a desire to innovate and move beyond their curriculum. The tapestry work done by hearing and speech impaired artist Ritu Malik displays a dexterity over the medium that is rare in students,while the glass painting section serves up some lighthearted and colourful works.

Innovation appears to be the driving force at the MFA sculpture department where the students have employed a range of media. From Ashok Kumar Prajapati’s fibre glass sculpture of a broken egg that hints toward female foeticide to Ruplica’s bronze of a girl child traumatised by the floating masks of male faces. “There is a very high level of intolerance towards the girl child and we are commenting on this,” says Prajapati.

Deepak Singh Kathait’s photographs of alternate sexuality is one of the boldest. “I met a guy who told me about his fantasy to perform as a woman; he felt like he was trapped in a male body. I played a small part in making his dream come true,” says Kathait whose series of black-and-whites are erotic poses of the subject swathed in diaphanous clothes.

On the way out,drop off a coin and make a wish at Sumit Kumar Sharma’s installation Shanni black barrels filled with oil and water and garlanded with marigold,“There is no guarantee that your wish will be granted,” grins the BFA 2nd year student.