Ceramic & Glass Design

Ceramic art practice, established in 1980 alongside textile design under the Design Department of Kala Bhavana, Visva-Bharati University, began as a focused endeavor to explore the expressive and functional possibilities of clay within an academic art framework. Rooted in Santiniketan’s rich legacy of craft, material sensitivity, and indigenous traditions—cultivated by pioneers like Pratima Debi and Andree Karpeles in the 1920s—the practice quickly gained recognition for nurturing a unique blend of aesthetic inquiry and technical proficiency. This initiative later institutionalized as Bichitra, eventually becoming a significant center for ceramic art within Silpa Bhavana (also referred to as Silpa Sadana).

Incorporating Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), the department preserves and integrates traditional techniques and philosophies, emphasizing the cultural significance of materials such as clay. By grounding contemporary practice in ancient wisdom, the department encourages students to explore these materials not only in the context of global art trends but also through the lens of local heritage, craftsmanship, and sustainable practices. This connection to IKS imbues students’ work with deeper cultural resonance, reinforcing the relevance of traditional knowledge in modern art practice.

In 2014, the department expanded its vision by incorporating Art Practice with glass material, marking a significant evolution in its pedagogical and material approach. This inclusion allowed students to explore the interplay between transparency, fragility, form, color, and light—broadening the scope of material engagement and aligning with global developments in contemporary art and design education. Over time, students have embraced both ceramic and glass as multifaceted mediums, integrating them into interdisciplinary practices under the New Educational Policy framework.

Today, the Department of Ceramic & Glass Design stands as one of the most prominent centers for material-based contemporary art practice in India. The department offers a comprehensive curriculum that balances studio-based learning, material exploration, historical context, and conceptual development. Students are encouraged to approach both clay and glass not just as mediums of utility or decoration, but as potent vehicles for personal expression, social commentary, and innovation.

Equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including gas furnaces, electrical kilns, glass furnaces, cold-working equipment, and dedicated studio spaces, the department provides an immersive environment for students to push the boundaries of both traditional and contemporary practices. Regular workshops, lectures, and collaborations with national and international artists and scholars further enrich the learning experience in the department.

The department currently offers Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Ph.D., One-Year Courses for Indian Students, and One-Year Courses for Foreign Students, accommodating approximately 80 students, maintaining its global character and outreach.

Drawing from Kala Bhavana’s holistic ethos and Rabindranath Tagore’s vision of integrated education, the Department of Ceramic & Glass Design continues to shape generations of artists and designers who are making meaningful contributions to both the creative arts and the utility-based design landscape of India and beyond.