AAKAR 2026 reframes perspectives through student art

Recently, Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park, hosted its much-anticipated MYP Visual Arts Exhibition, AAKAR: Reframing Perspectives. The immersive and thoughtfully curated, celebrated creativity, inquiry, and artistic expression at its finest. Rooted in the ethos of the International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy, the exhibition stood as a testament to the importance of visual arts in fostering critical thinking, originality, and personal voice among learners.   

Visual arts within the IB framework are not merely about producing aesthetically pleasing work; they demand a rigorous process of ideation, experimentation, and reflection. AAKAR embodied this philosophy seamlessly, offering visitors a compelling journey through diverse artistic explorations.  

The exhibition transformed the school into vibrant galleries of imagination. From the moment one entered, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation and wonder. The corridors, meticulously decorated, radiated an almost surreal quality, each corner echoing the boundless creativity of young minds. 

The event was graced by the presence of Mr Stephen Tumpane, Principal-cum-Director-Research & Capability Development, along with Vice-principal Ms Neha Sharma, coordinators, and parents who explored the exhibition with keen interest, appreciating the momentum of artistic expression and the dedication reflected in each student’s work, celebrating both creativity and the journey behind it.  

The second floor of the school, where the exhibition began, was mesmerising. Carefully curated displays guided visitors through a visual narrative that spanned a wide range of mediums, including acrylics, watercolours, cyanotypes, lino printmaking, sculptures, and textile art. The thoughtful arrangement of artworks ensured that each piece commanded attention while contributing to the larger thematic coherence of the exhibition.

One of the defining aspects of the exhibition was its emphasis on process as much as product. Students not only presented their final artworks but also articulated their creative journeys, inspirations, and techniques with remarkable clarity and confidence. This ability to contextualise and communicate artistic intent reflected the depth of learning integral to the IB curriculum.

Arshee Sachdeva’s work stood out for its narrative depth and visual coherence. Drawing inspiration from various videos she had encountered, she created a series of seven canvas paintings that explored everyday subjects such as candles, houses, and fruits. Despite their apparent simplicity, these works revealed a nuanced understanding of composition and symbolism. Each painting carried a distinct mood, yet collectively they formed a cohesive exploration of the “essentials” of life, inviting viewers to find beauty in the ordinary.  

Equally compelling was Khuman’s work, which was deeply rooted in personal experience. Using acrylic painting techniques extensively, she depicted subjects that resonated with her identity, particularly her connection to music. Her portrayal of a guitar was not merely a still-life study but an expression of her relationship with the instrument, as she herself plays it. Another notable piece, Moonlight Waves, captured a serene night view of a beach. The interplay of light and shadow, combined with textured brushwork, evoked a sense of calm introspection, demonstrating her ability to translate emotion into visual form.  

  

Sia Arora’s contribution enriched the exhibition with her imaginative piece titled Sunset Tunes. Inspired by the works of artist Anjolie Ela Menon, she skilfully merged elements of music and landscape to create a harmonious visual composition. Her use of acrylic paints and blending techniques resulted in a seamless transition of colours, capturing the ephemeral beauty of a sunset intertwined with musical rhythm.

Taking nearly two weeks to complete, the artwork reflected both patience and precision. As Sia shared, her piece was part of a broader “window series” undertaken by her class, highlighting a collaborative yet individually interpreted theme.  

Aahana Mathur’s vibrant installation, Christmas in July, brought a refreshing burst of colour and texture to the exhibition. Utilising clay and acrylic art, she crafted a lively composition that defied conventional seasonal boundaries. The juxtaposition of festive elements with unexpected timing created a playful yet thought-provoking piece. Her work exuded a sense of joy and spontaneity, underscoring her strong artistic spirit and willingness to experiment.

One of the most remarkable highlights of the exhibition was the lino printmaking section. This area drew significant attention for its intricate craftsmanship and cultural resonance. Students showcased meticulously carved designs that reflected Indian culture and symbolism, including motifs such as tigers set against natural landscapes. The process, involving carving into linoleum sheets and experimenting with multiple colours, demonstrated both technical skill and creative innovation.  

As students Nitik, Jayden, and Surya explained, the experience of creating lino art was deeply engaging and therapeutic. They experimented with various materials, including white, neon, and cream papers, to enhance the visual impact of their prints. Their enthusiasm was evident as they described how the process allowed them to explore new dimensions of creativity over the past two months. The tactile nature of lino printing, combined with its potential for bold visual statements, made it a standout component of the exhibition.

Beyond individual artworks, what truly elevated AAKAR was the collective energy and commitment evident across displays. The exhibition was not merely a presentation of finished pieces but a celebration of learning, resilience, and artistic growth. The students’ ability to articulate their creative processes added a layer of intellectual engagement, inviting viewers to connect more deeply with the works on display.

The exhibition garnered heartfelt appreciation from parents, whose reflections underscored the impact of the exhibition.

Ms Manisha, mother of Nischay Koushik, expressed her pride, describing the day as a beautiful opportunity to witness the vibrant creativity of young artists. She emphasised how inspiring it was to see children transform their imagination into tangible forms of expression.

Similarly, Mr Armat, father of Adiya, described the exhibition as exceptional. While acknowledging the difficulty of choosing a favourite piece, he noted a particular affinity for the painting of a woman in traditional attire displayed at the entrance. According to him, the artwork spoke for itself, capturing attention and emotion in equal measure.

 

Ms Subhashini Narayanan, mother of Reyansh, offered a particularly insightful perspective. She described the exhibition as a “burst of colour and creativity,” highlighting not only the artistic talent on display but also the students’ ability to explain the meaning behind their work. She found this aspect profoundly impactful, noting that the children had gone beyond creating art to developing a deep understanding of their own expression. Her reflection captured the essence of IB education, where communication and critical thinking are as important as creativity.

“The Visual Arts Exhibition showcased the creativity of students from MYP 1 to DP 1 across diverse genres, including painting, drawing, installation, printmaking, relief, still life, and sculpture. Students investigated both contemporary and master artists to understand techniques, themes, and styles, and developed original works inspired by these explorations. MYP 4 students conducted an engaging live lino printmaking session, sharing their learning with juniors and parents. Learners also curated their displays and strengthened communication skills by presenting their artistic intentions and engaging with audience feedback. Inspired by artists such as Anjolie Ela Menon, Frida Kahlo, Anna Atkins, and Ebony G. Patterson, the exhibition marked a significant milestone in their artistic journey.” shares Ms Kanika Goel, IBDP & MYP Visual Arts Facilitator.

“The Visual Arts Exhibition, showcased students’ creativity through drawing, painting, sculpture, clay modeling, and impression work. Learners explored different materials and techniques, including textured backgrounds, while Early Years students showed growing confidence and control. The exhibition connected strongly with the Unit of Inquiry, helping deepen understanding through art, students further refining their skills. Students also created artworks inspired by artists such as Piet Mondrian, Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Kingsley Waddell, and Henri Matisse, exploring various styles and compositions. The exhibition offered a valuable platform to showcase their artistic growth and confidence.” shares Ms GulBahar Saifi, PYP Visual Arts Facilitator.

As visitors moved through the exhibition, they were not merely observers but participants in a dialogue, one that celebrated creativity, perspective, and the transformative power of art.

AAKAR did more than exhibit art; it reframed how art is perceived, understood, and appreciated. It reaffirmed that when young minds are given the freedom to explore and the guidance to refine their vision, the results can be truly extraordinary.