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Surinder

"Hello, I am Surinder, born on September 30, 1948 in the Punjab region. My association with art dates back to the early '50s, when I use to paint at home. After finishing high school, I moved to Delhi where I pursued a three-year diploma course in teaching arts and crafts. I was fortunate to get a job in a government evening school. While teaching, I was admitted to the College of Arts, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. So I used to juggle my time between college and school. I decided to study fine art because I have always been fascinated by the beauty of color and all its possibilities. Also during those days, not many people opted for a degree in fine art, so the feeling of being among the selected few in the field of art held a special fascination for me.

"In 1975 I joined Triveni art school and, after a career of 26 long years, in 2001 they invited me to join them as a senior artist. Since I did not get many opportunities to work as an art teacher, I was overwhelmed at the idea of joining such a renowned school. I wanted to learn more and more about art. I had to give up my job at the government school though. However, my love for art was so strong that I gave up my job to join Triveni for half the amount I was paid at the government school.

"My paintings are mainly inspired by nature and the environment surrounding me. My current work focuses on figures and forms.

"Over the years I have held many exhibitions, both in India and abroad, including six solo shows and more than 20 group shows, two of which took place in New York and Dubai. My work is collected in France, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Italy, Canada, the United States and Spain. I have also received several awards, including Women's Year, Sahitya Parishad (1976); the Aifacs award (in 1976, 1979 and 1989); and the Shaitya Kala Parishad award (1978, 1985 and 1990).

"After more than 25 years' experience as an artist I am a satisfied person, but as life goes on, I want to explore more and more the many facets of art in all its magnitude.

"I am glad to be associated with Novica. It is a good platform for young artist and also serves as a good channel for senior artists like me."