SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024
Team Cafe
Renowned as a luminary within the dynamic realm of Indian contemporary art, Prof Rajan Fulari, an adept artist, curator, and educator, currently assumes the role of the Dean at the School of Visual Arts, at World University of Design (WUD) in Delhi NCR. Originally from Siolim, Prof Rajan completed his Bachelors in Painting at Goa College of Arts, Panjim, with a dissertation on ‘The Eternal Search’ followed by his Masters in Graphics at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Vadodara, with a dissertation on ‘Advent Of The Art Of Printing The Contemporary Art Scene In Goa’. He was also awarded the Yuva Srujan Puraskar in visual art in 2013. He also served as the Secretary at the national Lalit Kala Akademi in New Delhi and as an assistant professor at Prints-Studios, within the Faculty of Fine Arts at Lucknow University's College of Arts and Crafts.
He passionately champions various promotional initiatives for the advancement of printmaking, both on the national and international stage. Beyond his administrative role, he ardently engages in coordinating and curating solo and group exhibitions, biennials, triennials, artistic camps, workshops, residences, and more in India and abroad. As a humble yet profound teacher, he continues to shape the future of artistic expression with unwavering dedication.
Recently honoured with a prestigious scholarship from the Ministry of Education, Romania, Prof Rajan is on the path to further scholarly pursuits, undertaking a PhD in Visual Arts at the esteemed George Enescu National University of Arts (UNAGE), Iași. Commencing in the academic year 2023-2024, this scholarship signifies a landmark achievement in Ranjan’s illustrious career.
Drawing inspiration from the distinguished Romanian scholar, Prof Cristian Ungureanu, whose remarkable journey epitomizes the fusion of art and academia, Ranjan embarks on a path that mirrors Prof Cristian's trajectory. Prof Cristian, honed his craft at the former George Enescu Academy of Arts in Iasi before venturing to Italy, where his artistic exhibitions captivated audiences in Bologna, Venice, and Verona. Upon his return to Romania after seven years of immersive artistic research and worldly exploration spanning from 1996 to 2003, Prof Cristian undertook groundbreaking research, culminating in his doctoral thesis, ‘Dialogue between Sphere and Cube: The Secret Geometry of European Painting,’ at the National Art University of Bucharest in 2010.
Currently serving as Vice-Rector and PhD Habil, associate professor at George Enescu National University of Arts in Iasi, Prof Cristian is revered for his scholarly contributions, notably his thesis titled ‘Geometric Composition in Visual Arts and Its Transdisciplinary Values’, through which he has assumed the role of a PhD supervisor. His illustrious career extends beyond academia, with over 30 personal and group exhibitions held across Italy, France, Romania, Russia, and Turkey.
In this rich cultural exchange between India and Romania, Prof Rajan's receipt of the Romanian Scholarship underscores the shared commitment to fostering artistic excellence and nurturing creative talent. Prof Cristian's influence transcends borders, shaping the artistic discourse and providing a profound source of inspiration for Prof Rajan’s academic pursuits. The collaboration between these two distinguished artists symbolizes the cultural and diplomatic synergy between India and Romania, reaffirming the importance of bilateral relations in the contemporary global landscape.
In response to this momentous achievement, Prof Rajan articulated his profound gratitude, emphasizing the profound significance of being awarded the Romanian Scholarship for his PhD in Visual Arts. He said, “It is a tremendous honour to be awarded the Romanian Scholarship for my PhD in Visual Arts. This opportunity represents not only a personal milestone but also a platform to further explore and contribute to the rich tapestry of global artistic expression.”
Beyond the personal fulfilment of receiving such a prestigious scholarship, he recognizes the broader implications of this honour. Prof Rajan says, “This as an invitation to delve deeper into the realms of artistic exploration and scholarly inquiry, poised to make meaningful contributions to the global artistic community.”
The scholarship serves not only as a validation of Prof Rajan’s talent and dedication but also as a catalyst for broader artistic dialogue and cultural exchange.
Prof Rajan encapsulates his deep appreciation for the scholarship's transformative potential. “It is not merely a recognition of past achievements but a springboard for future endeavours, promising an exciting journey of exploration, collaboration, and creative discovery,” he says.
In addition to his academic responsibilities, Prof Cristian is a member of the International Center for Transdisciplinary Research (CIRET) Paris, further solidifying his stature as a thought leader in the intersection of art and academia. His prolific career extends beyond the confines of academia, with numerous publications encompassing books and articles on art theory.
