AT A GLANCE
Aruldevan S.
Area of Practice:
OVERVIEW
Aruldevan S. Arul stands as a contemporary visual artist whose creative journey has woven a rich tapestry of regional, national, and international exhibitions. Arul embarked on a prolific career marked by five solo exhibitions and group shows and numerous engagements in the art community, including workshops and seminars, all of which have earned acclaim from notable critics.
A true devotee to his craft, Aruldevan returned to his alma mater to impart his knowledge, dedicating a decade to mentoring aspiring artists and nurturing their talents into expertise. Ever adaptable, he embraced the evolution of artistic mediums, transitioning to digital multimedia in 2000, a testament to his commitment to innovation.
Arul’s influence extends beyond the studio walls; for over two decades, he has shared his expertise with diverse audiences, teaching at various organizations and international schools. At the Srishti Manipal Institute of Art and Design Technology, Arul channels his passion for contemporary art and visual culture, guiding students in exploring diverse artistic mediums, from traditional drawing and painting to digital and graphic arts, as well as printmaking and art installation.
Beyond the realm of art, Arul’s interests traverse a spectrum of disciplines, including technology, literature, and philosophy. His multidimensional approach to education reflects a deep-seated curiosity, driving him to incorporate diverse influences into his teaching methodology. With a penchant for poetry, literature, and environmental philosophy, Arul infuses his pedagogy with a sense of introspection and inquiry, continually pushing boundaries in both his research and practice.
Aruldevan S. Arul emerges not only as a practitioner of the visual arts but also as a visionary educator, leveraging his diverse passions to inspire the next generation of artists and thinkers. Through his transformative teaching methods and ongoing artistic exploration, he embodies the ethos of innovation and creativity, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of contemporary visual art and education.
EDUCATION
1. MA in Fine Arts with Specialization.
2. Graduate in Drawing and Painting from The Ken School of Arts, completed in 1991/92.
3. Art Education Teaching Certificate from The Ken School of Arts, earned in 1988.
4. Multimedia and Animation Certificate from ABACUS, achieved in 2000.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Professional Experience:
Lecturer, Drawing and Painting, Printmaking & Art Education Training (1993 – 2000)
Ken school of Arts, Bangalore, Karnataka
• Provided instruction in drawing, painting, printmaking, and art education.
• Trained aspiring art teachers in educational techniques and curriculum development.
Visual Artist in Multimedia and Animation Industry (2000 – 2004)
• Collaborated with multimedia and animation institutions.
• Created visual art content for various projects and platforms.
Faculty, Art, and Design (2005 – 2013)
• International Art and Design Organization, Bangalore
• Taught art and design at international schools.
• Developed and delivered curriculum in art and design disciplines.
Seminars and Workshops (Throughout Career)
• Conducted and attended seminars, workshops, and demonstrations.
• Focused on art appreciation, public art, and training young artists.
• Engaged with the community to promote visual arts and appreciation.
Faculty Member (2014 – Present)
• Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore
• Teaching and mentoring students in various art and design programs.
• Continuing involvement in academic and community art initiatives.
INTEREST AREAS
Visual Arts Education and Pedagogy: My primary area of interest lies in the field of visual arts education and pedagogy. Over the years, I have developed and implemented innovative teaching methods aimed at enhancing creative expression and technical skills among students. My research focuses on integrating traditional art techniques with contemporary educational strategies to foster a holistic learning environment. I am particularly interested in how experiential learning and interactive workshops can cultivate an appreciation for the arts among young minds and aspiring artists.
Contemporary Art Practices: My research focuses on contemporary art practices, examining the innovative techniques and conceptual frameworks that define the current art scene. This includes exploring new media, installation art, and performance art, as well as the socio-political themes that contemporary artists address. I am particularly interested in how contemporary art reflects and critiques modern society, pushing boundaries and challenging traditional notions of art.
Environmental Art: I have a deep interest in environmental art, which explores the relationship between art and the natural world. My work investigates how artists engage with environmental issues through sustainable practices, site-specific installations, and ecological art projects. This area of research emphasizes the role of art in raising awareness about environmental conservation, climate change, and sustainability, and how it can inspire ecological consciousness and action.
CURRENT PRACTICE AT SRISHTI
Current Practice at SMI At Srishti Institute of Art, Design, and Technology (SMI), my teaching practice integrates foundation study programs and contemporary art practices, with a distinct focus on connecting art to current affairs and everyday happenings. In the foundation study programs, I emphasize Studio’s contextual inquiry/enquiry, guiding students through themes such as body and context, spaces, and form and structure. This approach helps students understand the dynamic relationship between artistic elements and their environments, encouraging them to draw inspiration from the world around them.
I focus on essential generic skills, including drawing and mark making, which are fundamental for precise visual articulation. Digital thinking and form making are also critical components of my curriculum, ensuring students are proficient with both traditional and contemporary tools. Workshops on visual thinking and digital making further expand students’ creative capabilities, utilizing digital thinking tools, visual thinking tools, and diverse materials and mediums. Interim and interlude sessions offer structured opportunities for students to engage deeply with specific projects, promoting self-directed learning and critical inquiry. Field visits enrich their experience by encouraging exploration and contextual understanding of visual art in various settings.
In contemporary art practices, I guide students through advanced visual art forms, including drawing, painting, printmaking, and art installation. These courses are designed to push the boundaries of students’ creativity and technical proficiency, engaging them with current trends and techniques in the art world. Additionally, I integrate the study of semiotics in the visual arts, exploring how signs and symbols create meaning in art, and how visual metaphors and metamorphoses can be used to convey complex ideas and narratives.
My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that art should reflect and respond to the world around us. By incorporating current affairs and everyday happenings into the curriculum, I encourage students to create art that is relevant, thought-provoking, and connected to their lived experiences. This approach prepares them for diverse and dynamic careers in the visual arts, fostering both technical expertise and innovative thinking.
TEACHING PORTFOLIO
Teaching.
I believe art and design should reflect and respond to the world around us. My goal is to create a student-centered environment that connects art to current affairs, encouraging students to produce relevant and thought-provoking work. By using tools such as metamorphosis, I guide students in transforming their ideas and observations into powerful artistic expressions that resonate with contemporary issues.
2. Teaching Responsibilities:
Courses at Srishti Institute of Art, Design, and Technology (SMI):
Foundation Studies Program
• Contemporary art practices 2nd and 3rd year
• Contextual Enquiry: Body and Context, Space and Place, Form and Structure.
Generic Skills: Studio and Workshop
• Drawing, Mark Making, Digital Making, Digital Thinking, Visual Thinking, Form Making
• Workshops on Visual and Digital Thinking
Contemporary art practices: workshop 2nd and 3rd year
• Advanced Visual Art Forms: Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, and Art Installation,
• Semiotics in Visual Arts
Interim and Interlude Sessions: Foundation,2nd and 3rd year
• Structured projects promoting self-directed learning and critical inquiry.
• Field Visits: Exploration for contextual understanding.
3. Teaching Methods and Strategies
• Contextual Enquiry: Explore themes like body and context, space and place, and form and structure.
• Workshops: Practical skills in visual and digital thinking.
• Current Affairs Integration: Encourage art that reflects contemporary issues.
• Field Visits: Contextual understanding through exploration.
4. Course Materials
• Syllabi and Assignments: Detailed outlines and exercises for drawing, digital thinking, and interim projects.
• Sample Work: Exemplary student projects showcasing course concepts.
5. Assessment and Evaluation
• Grading: a combination of questionnaire, activity, assignments, and presentations.
• Student Work: Examples demonstrating successful application of concepts.
7. Student Feedback
Course Evaluations: High ratings for interactive and engaging classes. Testimonials: positive feedback highlighting the relevance and practicality of the material.
8. Teaching Accomplishments
Innovations: a peer-mentoring program and an interdisciplinary approach integrating art with current affairs.
CREATIVE PRACTICE & OUTREACH
Creative/Professional Practice: My creative and professional practice spans over two decades and encompasses a diverse range of activities in the fields of visual arts, multimedia, and art education. As a visual artist, I have consistently explored the intersection of traditional and contemporary art forms, with a particular focus on drawing, painting, printmaking, and digital media. My work often reflects themes of environmental consciousness and social commentary, striving to engage and provoke thoughtful dialogue among viewers.
In my role as an educator, I have dedicated myself to nurturing the next generation of artists and designers. At institutions such as Ken School of Arts and the Srishti Institute of Art, Design, and Technology, I have developed and implemented innovative curricula that integrate classical techniques with modern artistic practices. My teaching philosophy emphasizes experiential learning, critical thinking, and the cultivation of a deep appreciation for the arts.
Beyond the classroom, I am actively involved in community art initiatives and public engagement projects. I have organized and participated in numerous workshops, seminars, and public art installations that aim to make art accessible to broader audiences and foster community connections. My commitment to art education extends to conducting training sessions for art teachers, ensuring that pedagogical advancements are shared and disseminated within the educational community.
My professional journey also includes significant contributions to the multimedia and animation industries, where I have applied my artistic skills to create compelling visual content. This multifaceted experience has enriched my practice, allowing me to continuously evolve as both an artist and educator.
Group Exhibitions:
• Karnataka Lalitha Kala Academy Annual Show (1989): Showcased my works among some of Karnataka’s finest artists, setting the stage for a vibrant career.
• All India Fine Art Exhibition, Karnataka Chitra Kala Parishat, Bangalore (1989): My art was featured in this prestigious national event, celebrating the diversity and depth of Indian fine arts.
• Dasara Fine Art Exhibition, Mysore (1988): Participated in this historic festival, presenting works that reflected the cultural richness of Karnataka.
• National Art Exhibition, Bijapur, Karnataka (1999): Contributed to this national platform, highlighting contemporary artistic practices from across India.
• The 8th National Kala Mela Art Prints Exhibition, Central Lalitha Kala Academy, Bangalore (1999): Exhibited alongside eminent printmakers, showcasing the intricate and expressive art of printmaking.
• All India Graphic Exhibition “Prints Today,” Karnataka Lalitha Kala Academy, Venkatappa Art Gallery, Bangalore: Displayed cutting-edge graphic art in a prominent national exhibition. (1999)
• Freedom on Canvas, Golden Jubilee Celebration of India’s Independence (1997): Participated with 50 eminent artists in a painting camp at Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, Bangalore, celebrating half a century of Indian independence.
Solo Exhibitions:
• Drawing and Painting (1995): Sponsored by Karnataka Lalitha Kala Academy, this exhibition marked a significant milestone in my career, highlighting my evolution as an artist.
• Painting Exhibition (1996): Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, Bangalore, showcased my latest works, offering a glimpse into my artistic journey.
• Painting Exhibition (1998): Held at Orange County Central Park Hotel, M.G. Road, Bangalore, this show presented my exploration of vibrant themes and techniques.
• Futuristic Buildings Sculpture Show (1998): Sponsored by Birla Super Cement and hosted at the Western Hotel, Bangalore, this exhibition featured my innovative sculptural works.
• Painting Exhibition (1999): Jalsa Art Gallery, Bangalore, provided a platform to display my recent paintings, capturing contemporary themes and artistic expressions.
