(1975, BFA painting)
Sheelakhubchandani209@gmail.com
My art journey commenced in 1970 when I gained admission to the College of Art, Delhi. The admission test took place where the Pragati Maidan metro station now stands. At that time, the Tilak Marg building was still under construction, and we officially began the new academic year on August 3, 1970, within this newly erected structure. The late Professor PN Mago led the orientation session.
With only 21 students selected in each batch and approximately 100 students in the entire college, the atmosphere was intimate, instilling a profound sense of purpose, camaraderie, and privilege. Our mentors, including Rajesh Mehra, Dheeraj Choudhury, Biman Das, and Jagmohan Chopra, imparted invaluable knowledge within the classroom.
The teaching approach was remarkably supportive; for instance, Chopra Sir provided us with an entire studio for experimentation with various techniques, while Rajesh Sir’s lectures extended throughout the entire day on Mondays. Those days were undeniably the most memorable and cherished moments of my life!