JD Institute of Fashion Technology
Kamla Nagar and Hauz Khas Jediiians Master Contemporary Art Practices

In the world of fashion and interior design, the most striking creations are often born from a deep understanding of fine art. To help students bridge the gap between classroom theory and professional artistic expression, JD Institute of Fashion Technology recently hosted a transformative two-day academic event- Artist Session: Exploring Contemporary Art Through Creative Exchange.

This unique event was a milestone for the institute, bringing together first-year students from both the Kamla Nagar and Hauz Khas Village campuses. By uniting these two creative communities, the session fostered a collaborative environment where young “Jediiians” could explore the emotional, conceptual, and cultural dimensions of art together.

Why Contemporary Art Dialogues Matter in Design

Contemporary art dialogues play a crucial role in helping young designers understand intention, context, and meaning behind visual expression.

• Contemporary art helps decode the why behind visual forms and creative choices.
• These dialogues encourage designers to move beyond decoration and focus on storytelling.
• Engagement with contemporary art enhances perception, observation, and interpretation skills.
• Students learn to question their design decisions and think critically about their work.
• Exposure helps designers build a unique visual vocabulary that reflects individuality.

This approach not only sharpens their creative sensibility but also prepares them to create work that is meaningful, relevant, and impactful in the real world.

Insights from the Masters: Five Professional Perspectives

The highlight of the two-day session was the presence of five renowned artists, each bringing a different specialty to the table. These experts didn’t just show their work; they shared their personal philosophies, helping students navigate the complexities of a creative career.

1. Manish Kumar Rao: Overcoming the Creative Block

Mr. Manish Kumar Rao, a celebrated visual artist from New Delhi, shared his journey as an alumnus of the College of Art, Delhi University. Known for his phantasmagorical paintings that take viewers on a journey through imaginary lands, he offered students invaluable advice on handling creative blocks.

His experience as a recipient of the Young Achiever’s Award (2024) and his work for the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha provided a powerful example of how art can achieve national recognition.

2. Mahua Sinha: Culture and Communication

Ms. Mahua Sinha is a freelance artist whose realistic paintings are deeply rooted in the vast beauty of Indian culture. As a seasoned artist and Tarot Card Reader, she offered a fascinating perspective on how ancient ethnic characteristics can be used in modern design.

She encouraged students to see painting as “poetry that is seen rather than felt,” pushing them to find positivity and depth in their work.

3. Madhusudan Khandekar: The Harmony of Nature and Women

With over two decades of experience, Mr. Madhusudan Khandekar is a contemporary artist and art educator known for his expressive mixed-media works.

His art often explores themes of life philosophy and consciousness through a blend of vibrant colors and intricate lines. He taught the students about color temperature, light, and texture, explaining how the “chaos” in colors can reflect the nature of the human mind.

4. Rajshree Verma: Bridging Traditional and Contemporary

Ms. Rajshree Verma, a postgraduate from Agra College and a UGC scholarship recipient, focused on the technical side of art. She discussed experimental techniques and the importance of knowing when an artwork is truly complete.

Her insights helped students understand how traditional art practices are still incredibly relevant to contemporary design thinking.

Together, these master-led interactions offered students, a meaningful bridge between experience and aspiration, in order to navigate their own creative journeys.

The Jediiian Experience: A Journey of Critical Observation

For the students from Kamla Nagar and Hauz Khas, these two days were an intensive dive into the professional art world. The sessions were held in a moderated discussion format, which allowed for a natural and engaging flow of ideas.

What the students learned?

• Through live digital displays, students saw how artists translate complex emotions into visual symbols.
• Discussions highlighted the crucial roles of negative space, texture, and light in creating a balanced composition.
• Students gained clarity on how to handle self-doubt and artistic decision-making, challenges every designer faces.

By interacting directly with the artists, students learned to connect traditional art concepts with the modern design challenges they face in their fashion and interior modules.

Designing with Purpose

By exposing students to such diverse artistic philosophies, JD Institute ensures that its graduates don’t just follow trends, they build with intention.

Whether it was through Mr. Rao’s surreal fables or Dr. Bhatia’s spiritual mandalas, the Kamla Nagar and Hauz Khas Jediiians left the session with a renewed sense of purpose. They now understand that the highest form of design is one that combines technical skill with a deep, meaningful narrative.

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