Shiv Nadar University SNU, Greater Noida (2026), Furqan Faridi
One of our PhD researchers, Furqan Faridi, is currently conducting fieldwork with art students at the Shiv Nadar University (SNU), located on the outskirts of Delhi, India. Here is Furqan’s dispatch from the field:
I am spending an extended period embedded within the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programme — passing hours in student studios, quietly observing artistic practice as it unfolds, and engaging in informal conversation. Alongside this observational work, I am also participating in student-led activities, including sound walks and public events, gaining an insider's perspective on how artistic communities take shape around shared practice. Here are some glimpses from my time here.
First-year MFA student Akhil in his studio—past midnight.
Dinner time at Dining Hall, SNU campus
MFA fellow Anurag hard at work in his studio
First-year MFA student Divyansh experimenting with moving images in his studio
A serious conference attendee at the Annual Math Conference
Moonrise by the lakeside, SNU campus
Preparations underway for the final show
MFA students Hrishima and Vipin in preparation for the final show
First-year MFA student Riya working in her studio
“I am trying to address questions of voice and voiceless in this sculpture”—Riya.
Joining fellow students for a sound walk organised by first-year MFA student Nashra
Nashra, Shreyas, Noora and I during the soundwalk
I taking notes: immersed in the soundwalk (Picture: Nashra)
Soundwalk booklet designed by first-year MFA student Nashra
Second year student, Kavana, listening to lakeside sounds, during the soundwalk
MFA student Robin working on a painting, “I am interested in bodies that cannot be contained”.
Someone is early to class today
A message in the studio: “Dear friend, please do not open this window. I will be grateful as it will protect my artwork from pigeons. Thank you.”
After days of scorching summer, rain arrives as relief on campus
The Way to SNU Campus, Dadri near Delhi, India