Apeejay students immerse in cultural extravaganza 

For design students, field visits are crucial as they provide real-world exposure, enhancing their understanding of practical applications. Experiencing live projects, interacting with professionals, and observing design in context bridges the gap between theory and practice, fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and a deeper appreciation for their craft.

The School of Design & Visual Arts (SDVA) at Apeejay Stya University (ASU) certainly values the importance of inculcating holistic learning experience. As part of the learning process, the school often organises field visits to various fairs and exhibitions. 

One such experience SDVA organised was a visit to the International Handicraft Mela, popularly known as the Suraj Kund Mela. The Mela showcased a vibrant display of global culture and rich heritage through the meticulous craftsmanship of various artisans.

Some of the primary objective of the visit was to:

1.    Exposure of Diverse Art Forms: To provide students with very first-hand experience of various traditional and contemporary handicrafts of India and around the world.

2.    Interaction with Artisans: To encourage students to engage with artisans to gain insights into their creative processes and the dedication involved in their crafts.

3.    Cultural Appreciation: To foster an appreciation for the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of different regions, including both Indian and international participants

4.    Live Sketching: To allow students to practice live sketching of the artisans and their crafts, enhancing their observational skills and drawing techniques.

5.    Understanding Exhibition Design and Display: To help students understand the principles of exhibition design and the effective display of artifacts, including layout, lighting, and presentation.

6.     Inspiration and Learning: To inspire students by exposing them to high-quality craftsmanship, potentially influencing their own creative processes and future projects.

7.    Market Understanding: To give students an understanding of the market dynamics and the commercial aspects of traditional handicrafts.

And what did the students experience? 

Budding designers witnessed an array of crafts including woodcraft, textile work, handicraft, pottery, and paintings. They interacted with various artists specialising in folk paintings such as Madhubani, Warli, Kalamkari, Gond, Pichwai and Patachitra. These interactions provided insights into various mediums of colours, tools traditionally used in these paintings. On request, Madhubani artists demonstrated popular patterns and techniques used in their work.

Fashion Design students learned about various fabrics, embroidery styles, and materials used by local artists. The mela offered numerous learning opportunities for everyone. Students also practiced photography, understanding various techniques used in daylight photography.

Additionally, a few learning outcomes included:

The visit proved to be highly educational and enriching for the students. Key learning outcomes included:

1. Understanding Craftsmanship: Students gained a deeper understanding of the intricate processes and the level of skill involved in creating handcrafted artifacts.
2. Cultural Exchange: The interaction with international artisans provided insights into different cultural perspectives and artistic traditions, broadening the students’ horizons.
3. Appreciation of Hard Work: Witnessing the dedication and hard work of artisans first-hand instilled a greater appreciation for handmade crafts and the value of preserving such traditions.

2. Creative Inspiration: The diverse range of crafts and the creativity displayed at the mela served as a significant source of inspiration for the students’ own artistic endeavours.
3. Live Sketching Practice: Students enhanced their observational and sketching skills by capturing live scenes and details of the artisans’ work and the exhibition setup.
4. Exhibition Design Insights: Observing the layout, lighting, and overall presentation of the exhibits provided practical knowledge about effective exhibition design and display techniques.
5. Market Insights: Observing the commercial aspect of the handicrafts market, including pricing, customer interaction, and product display, offered practical knowledge beneficial for students interested in entrepreneurial ventures.
6. Photography Skills: Students improved their photography skills, learning various techniques for capturing images in daylight conditions.

All in all, the field visit to the Suraj Kund Mela was a resounding success, fulfilling its objectives of exposing students to diverse art forms, enabling meaningful interactions with artisans, and fostering a deep appreciation for global craftsmanship. The experience not only enriched the students’ understanding and appreciation of handicrafts but also inspired their own creative pursuits, equipping them with valuable insights into the world of design and visual arts.