Feminism, modernism, impressionism and more: Apeejay’s IB school unveils a visual treat

An eminent French artist, Edgar Degas, once said, “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” In other words, creating art is the ability to open a person’s eye-mind. It allows them to interpret it with their own meaning. And truly, the 21^st century needs just that. This is a time when one often turns a blind eye to fundamental issues prevalent in the society.

So, what better than to learn from talented students who are driven towards a big change? To encourage their thought, practice and creativity, Apeejay School International – South Delhi recently hosted an art exhibition. At the event, students captured subjects pertaining to the modern individual and society. The exhibition was nothing less than spectacular as it was well-curated and pieced together with thought. Young minds put in their heart and soul for months to exhibit their craft on the big day.

Sharing her thoughts, Vaishnavi Chaudhary, a student from Middle-Years-Programme says, “We presented some art works from our e-portfolio for the exhibition. Since it was themed, ‘Does art expose 21^st century issues?’, I put up three works based on climate change, poverty and violence against women. For each, I experimented with different mediums and forms such as acrylic, charcoal on paper and an art installation.”

Inspired by various contemporary artists, Vaishnavi researched extensively while creating these works. The themes are global in nature since she hopes to spread awareness regarding the same worldwide. She continues, “For my painting on climate change, the Indian visual artist, Reena Saini Kallat’s work stirred me. Hence, I created a polar bear with half a skeleton and the other half as a normal body. Further, the art installation was created using an old ‘chakla-belan’ (rolling pin and board) which is commonly found in Indian homes. It is often associated with women. So, to introduce a twist, I used a modern stiletto on it to showcase how women are capable of mastering both home and the world. Over it, I used newspaper clippings depicting violence against the fairer sex.”

Another student, Anandita Bhardwaj picked themes such as war and racism. She relates, “After the famous George Floyd case of 2020, the African-American man who was murdered by a police officer in Minnesota, I created two figures with purple skin. My artwork depicts chains and a mask to impress upon how people feel insecure in just being themselves. I would also like to mention that my muse came during the Covid-19 imposed lockdown in India when I made friends from different parts of the world over the internet. During our chats, they shared their experiences of racism with me.”    

Shaurya Sharma, a student, found his muse in the art movement – surrealism. He chose ‘The Son of Man’ by the Belgian artist, René Magritte, which shows a man standing by the ocean with his face hidden by a green apple. “Tweaking the same representation, I created many keyholes instead of the apple to depict the anonymity of the modern man and how he changes his personality as per his circumstances. I feel that art must reflect reality since it has the power to evoke thought and objective,” he says.

Making a statement, student, Reha Aggarwal, created an installation on menstruation. Thoughtfully, she shaped a replica of how most young girls stain their clothes during that time. Through it, she represented the discomfort, shame and newness attached to their growing up years. Apart from this, she also produced an abstract figure of a man who tries to hide away from the modern realities. When asked about her favourite artist, Reha says, “It is Freida Kahlo because her works have beautiful details in them.” Further, highlighting how Indian women artists are making their presence felt globally, she says, “We carry our culture wherever we go.” Reha hopes to pursue Fine Arts in future.

Experimenting with music and art, student Molvika Khanna used acrylic paints to make an abstract art work while listening to the piano. She says, “Rhythms and colour are inter-linked. This technique helped me express my emotions on paper. Whenever the tune was dramatic, I used deep strokes and opaque lines in purple colour. For the calm ones, the lines are straight and simple with natural colours. I named this work ‘Rhapsody’. It was part of the exhibit. I also created another one called ‘Clack’ because it was created in the backdrop of noise music.”

All the students were mentored by Ms Kanika Goel, the Art Facilitator of the school. Passionate to bring out the best in each learner, she says, “I encourage students to think and create so that every artwork shows something unique and personal.” Interestingly, her favourite artist is Vincent Van Gogh. Sharing a message for all students, she says, “In art, if you are too confident or under-confident, you will end up spoiling your work. So, work in the present and be steady. Stay inspired from others but remember to add your own thoughts to everything you craft.”