Explore the creative world of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Parul University, where innovation, expression, and design thinking come together to shape future-ready professionals.
Day 1 (18 March) – Opened with an inaugural ceremony in the Design Building atrium where five hand-painted student banners made with natural dyes were unrolled from the upper floors before any speech was delivered. Rekha Rodwittiya, one of the most significant artists from the Baroda school of painting, officially inaugurated VVF 2026. The day’s panel discussion on Professionalism in Art featured Rekha Rodwittiya, Vinit Nair (Founder, Gallery White Vadodara), Ruby Jagrut (Founder, Abir India, 9,600+ artists), and moderator Yunus Khimani (Professor of Practice, Parul University, 50+ years in art). Artist presentations by L.N. Tallur (contemporary sculptor, Udupi) on the Uncanny Valley Effect and Mahesh Baliga (prominent painter, Vadodara) followed.
Day 2 (19 March) – Focused on applied arts and commercial creative practice. Saurabh Chandekar (Founder, AAIBA Designs Mumbai, Cannes Lions 2013 for the Lifebuoy Roti Campaign) delivered an artist talk and portfolio presentation covering work for Vespa, Apple, Horlicks, and Saguna Bagh. Debojyoti Purkayastha (Ex VP JWT, Founder Rubber Stamp Mumbai, Grand Prix Cannes for Lead India) spoke on The Hunger to Be Inspired. A panel discussion on Avenues and Challenges in Applied Arts followed, moderated by Mithun Rodwittiya (Founder, 2Point5 Vadodara). With programmes like Bachelors Programs in Design – PID, students gain the artistic foundation, technical skills, and industry exposure needed to build successful careers!
Day 3 (20 March) – Addressed art beyond traditional gallery spaces. A panel on Art Beyond the White Cube featured Johny ML (curator, critic, chief curator United Art Fair 2012), Archana Hande (contemporary artist, Shantiniketan and Baroda trained, Kochi-Muziris and Sharjah Biennale exhibitor), and Arun Kumar HG (sculptor, community artist, Karnataka, revived 19 lakes). Artist presentations by Archana Hande and Indrapramit Roy (Associate Professor, MS University Baroda, Mumbai Airport Terminal 2 mural artist) closed the festival. If you’re passionate about it, explore BVA Painting at Parul University!
VVF 2026 Quick Facts:
Event: Vadodara Visual Art Festival 2026 (1st edition). Dates: 18-20 March 2026. Venue: Design Building + Oscar Hall, PIFA, Parul University. Theme: Conversations, Creation, Colors. Organiser: Parul Institute of Fine Arts (PIFA, est. 2015). Disciplines: Painting, Applied Arts, Sculpture.
FAQ
What is VVF at Parul University?
A 3-day event (18-20 March) organised by PIFA featuring panel discussions on professionalism in art, applied arts and AI, and art beyond the gallery, plus artist presentations by nationally and internationally recognised practitioners. Rekha Rodwittiya inaugurated the festival.
Who spoke at VVF 2026?
Rekha Rodwittiya (painter, Royal College of Art London), Vinit Nair (Gallery White), Ruby Jagrut (Abir India), Yunus Khimani (moderator), L.N. Tallur (sculptor), Mahesh Baliga (painter), Saurabh Chandekar (AAIBA Designs, Cannes Lions), Debojyoti Purkayastha (Rubber Stamp, Grand Prix Cannes), Mithun Rodwittiya (2Point5), Johny ML (curator, United Art Fair), Archana Hande (Kochi/Sharjah Biennale), Arun Kumar HG (community artist), Indrapramit Roy (Mumbai Airport mural).
