In a unique effort to collaborate creatively, Stratford USA India campus (KK Modi Education Group) hosted Michael Devis, a talented and an internationally acclaimed Brazilian Graffiti Artist to paint four canvases for the institute in their Noida campus on Thursday.
The art is a mix of urban style, Indian culture and indigenous influences. The artist seeks to portray the opportunity to learn from others, to value our roots and the opportunity to dream. Devis’s craftsmanship hopes to reflect India’s traditional and cultural ethos using teachings from the Panchatantra. His favourite canvas is the one where a grandmother teaches all the animals however the King of the Jungle, the Lion turns his back as he feels he knows it all and scoffs at the village woman; but truth is one can learn from anyone, anywhere if one is open. The second one is a group of doves flying in the sky that had been captured by a hunter but through teamwork they fought together and escaped.
Speaking on the occasion Ms. Charu Modi, Stratford University (KK Modi Education Group) shared : “At KKMII, our Noida campus, our corridors, classrooms, and community spaces are built to ignite imagination, provoke thought, cement a love for learning, and encourage critical thinking through debate, dialogue, and engagement. While we firmly believe that the aesthetics will benefit KKMII students, they will also propel our campus to become an iconic part of the city’s landscape – welcoming to the community and local businesses.â€
Elucidating his creative journey, artist Michael Devis said, “I constantly seek to absorb something from people around me and the culture. I have lived in Japan for 4 years that has had a huge influence on my art. Coming to India has been exciting as the rich culture has an impact on my art and has enriched me. I am happy that I got this opportunity to collaborate with Stratford University (KK Modi Education Group) and was able to contribute to the youth and their exposure to graffiti and urban art.â€
Michael Devis or popularly known as “DEVIS†is a self-taught artist and has been painting since the age of nine. Internationally renowned, Devis is a graffiti artist, urban artist, illustrator and designer. In 1998 he had his first contact with Graffiti art being one of the precursors in the capital of Parana. Devis has his art spread across 12 countries and 17 states, heavily influenced by his 4 years stay in Japan and currently participates in several festivals and cultural projects worldwide.
Stratford University (KK Modi Education Group) is the only accredited Institute in India offering an American Degree. KKMII is a joint venture between the KK Modi group in India and Stratford University, USA. The institute has the distinction of being the first American university in India.
