PROFESSOR CHAWKY FRENN LECTURES ON ART AS A VOICE FOR PEACE AT SIR J. J. SCHOOL OF ART, MUMBAI

On 13 September 2024, renowned artist and educator Professor Chawky Frenn was invited to deliver a lecture at the prestigious Sir J. J. School of Art, Architecture, and Design in Mumbai. The lecture, which focused on the role of art as a voice for peace, was attended by faculty and students from the fine arts, architecture, applied art, and sculpture departments.

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Professor Frenn, a Fulbright scholar and faculty member at George Mason University, emphasized the power of art to transcend divisions between cultures, religions, civilizations, and races. His talk aligned with his Fulbright vision of using art as a bridge for peace. Sharing examples of his students' work from George Mason University, he highlighted contemporary art as an active voice in the global conversation for peace.

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The Sir J. J. School of Art, founded in March 1857 through the generous donation of Sir Jamshedji Jeejeebhoy, is one of India’s premier institutions of fine arts education. With its campus established in 1878, the school has been a nurturing ground for creativity and artistic excellence. Today, the institution operates out of its iconic heritage building, housing various departments including drawing and painting, sculpture and modeling, mural, portraiture, printmaking, and arts and crafts, alongside courses like Art Teachers’ Diploma and Art Masters.

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During his lecture, Professor Frenn engaged the audience with insights into how art can be a tool for empathy, understanding, and positive change in a world often divided by conflict. His presentation resonated deeply with the students and faculty, offering them new perspectives on how their own work can contribute to the global movement for peace.

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This event was not only an opportunity for the Sir J. J. School of Art community to learn from Professor Frenn but also a testament to the enduring legacy of the institution as a pioneer in fine arts education in India.