New Delhi, India
February, 2021
The World University of Design (WUD) honored the India based French artist Stephanie LeBeller Arpels with their ‘2021 Critics’ Choice Award’ on Friday, February 19, 2021. Dr Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor, WUD, presented the trophy and certificate to the artist at a private ceremony held in Friends Colony New Delhi.He was accompanied by Professor S M Kulkarni, Dean of Visual Art School of WUD, and Qazi M Raghib, Art Director and Art Critic.
The ceremony was held in the presence of a limited guest list as a precaution against the COVID. Some of the people present at the ceremony were Philippe Ducornet, Deputy Consul, Head of Chancery, Embassy of France in India; artist and art curator Naresh Kapuria; Devyani Sahai, Director Ojas Art Gallery; Vladimir Zaitsev, Editor Art & Culture with Abraxas Lifestyle, art curator, along with other close friends and admirers of the artist. The National Television Door Darshan covered the event.
Speaking to the august gathering at the event, Dr. Sanjay Gupta said, “Ms Stephanie LeBeller Arpels is a remarkable French artist who has through her works depicted the varied characters of one of nature’s most simple yet complex creations – the woman. I am honored to present the award to such a deserving and extraordinary self-taught artist; I am sure this will set a great example to talented young minds who know they have the potential but just need a slight push.”
Expressing her appreciation, artist Stephanie Le Beller Arpels said, “I am very honoured to receive the World University of Design Critic’s Choice Award. It is a wonderful initiative from WUD to support artists, and fits well in its innovative education philosophy and the values at the heart of the University. I am certain that the Critic’s Choice Award will contribute to bringing additional recognition to my work from collectors, and that it will encourage young artists to persevere no matter the challenges.”
The WUD has instituted the “Critics Choice Awards” in the field of Visual Arts to encourage and empower the diverse range of artists in the country and honor the talent showcasing the rich culture of art across India, across different languages, regions, cultures styles and themes.
