Manisha Patil, 49, who was a professor in the once prestigious institute, was promoted to the dean’s post two days ago.
It took the prestigious JJ School of Art 153 years to shake off its male stranglehold, with the appointment of its first woman dean this year.
Manisha Patil, 49, who was a professor in the once prestigious institute, was promoted to the dean’s post two days ago. She is not only the first woman dean, but also the only one in Mumbai to have completed her doctorate in fine arts.
Patil completed her bachelors in fine arts (BFA) from Nagpur University and also did her post graduation in the history of arts from MS University, Baroda. She started teaching at the premier institute in 1984.
Five years later, she was transferred to Nagpur. “Even as a teacher, I never stopped pursuing my career as a professional artist. I strongly believe that art teachers should follow a parallel career in art,” said Patil, who also did her PhD in Indian painting.
JJ School which has given a lot of prominent artists to the industry is almost in a shambles today.
“I am not saying all claims made by people are true. But yes, the premier institute is facing a faculty crunch. Several classes run
empty due to lack of teachers. Many teachers work on contract, which expires every 11 months.”
She added that the first thing she plans to do is draft a proposal to the government to ensure all posts are filled. “We have only 39 teachers, of which eight are temporary and 12 are on contract basis. There are several qualified teachers around, and we will try to get them on board,” said Patil.
Patil, who is also on the committee of National Focus Group of Art, wants to tweak the existing curriculum. “The core curriculum is very comprehensive. But there needs to be more interaction between students and professional artists. I plan to organise several workshops, seminars, art camps, exhibitions, to ensure enough exposure,” she said.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}