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In a class of it’s own

You don’t have to be India’s nuttiest artist to be an art student. In fact you don’t even have to be an artist – but it helps.

In the last 5 years at the Goa College of Art, I have seen some of India’s nuttiest artist, turn into their wittiest best -- brush and paint not withstanding. 60 months of visuals, justifications and submissions, are enough to make an omlette out of any egghead.

I have had the privilege of studying from close quarters the daft zone, that is the fifth year applied art.

lily & mahesh

Some guiding stars ( Mahesh & Lily above) who taught us the way to artistic excellence through hard work that cost us a lot of 6B, tracing paper, poster colors, thick cartridge … We’re going to miss them a lot … And we’re glad to know it. (Well, sort of!)

Like my good friend Kedar, who joined college with an earnest hope of becoming a photographer. It is heartwarming to know that success has come to him as a photographer. But as far as his artistic capabilities are concerned, he admits he’s still at zero.

My friend Ashwin had his head transformed into an ‘airdrome,’ in time for the Gulf war, so he could let go of some Scud missiles of the ‘hard-to-digest’ kind, whenever he pleases.

My friend Roger, always believes in ‘he laughs best, who laughs last,’ prefers to laugh 10 minutes after a joke is told. What I like best about him, is that he’s honest enough not to laugh till he has understood the joke completely.

My friend Nutan, who’s got a permanent smile on her face. Makes it difficult to guess, when she’s happy and when she’s bugged.

My friend Umesh, who prefers to be called ‘Max’ after his favorite Android hero, thinks he can match up to the ranks of his super hero Arnold. Practices bodybuilding patiently in anticipation.

My friend Teclo, believes he is the Michael Angelo of Applied Art. Unfortunately he feels that the ‘Time’ factor is ruining his chances of becoming a multimillionaire overnight.

My friend Sanjay Foldessai (pronounced as ‘Fall that side) who has his connections with the ‘House of Pinga,’ always believes that the day is too short to start work and that the night is still young to begin work. And another day, another night goes by and the poor guy is wondering why his work is still not done.

My friend Shilpa, who has perhaps the attendance record of being always present in class, without making her presence felt.

My friend Leena, who’s ponytail I’m tempted to use, every time I run out of a flat brush in class.

My friend Raben – whom we affectionately adore as our Pope – works late into the night and comes to college earliest by 12 noon. Claims he hasn’t seen the sunrise for about a year now.

My friend Blasco, the fattened calf of the class. Makes it look like Christmas time everyday ……… with his joyful songs.

My friend Joao, who’s each hair falls, every time he thinks up of a good idea. He’s stopped thinking ever since, for fear of going completely bald.

My friend Sharon, who’s favorite place is in the library. Possibly gaining experience to join as the new librarian after her final year.

My friend Satyen for whom the merit has become a habit. Hopes to take it the next year too!.

My friend Leila, who laughs to make the world a happier place. Trouble is, if we don’t force her to stop laughing, there could be an earthquake coming along.

My friend Romilla, the most ‘noisiest’ silent person in class. Makes noise whenever she’s silent. Hard to believe – but true.

My friend Deepak Chari draws out 50 Rupee notes to perfection. Which makes me believe that he’s into some moneymaking racket.

My friend Freddy, the cat, who had a very narrow brush with death, plans to write a book after his final year – ‘Dangers of traveling 4-on-a-bike.’ To be released by St. Peter.

My friend Shalma, who has been acting strangely ever since the last full moon. Must be more because of her tensions to complete her project.

My friend Sheetal who’s finally made the bold attempt of stepping into the college canteen. The canteen prices have doubled ever since.

My friend Floyd who believes that ‘Tomorrow never comes’ and then decides to postpone everything for tomorrow.

And finally, this cartoon nut called Felix Foo, prefers to write about everyone else and keep himself last – because he has nothing to say about himself.

By Felix.


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