At just 11 years old, Aadhan Vedant, a student MYP-3 studying at Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park, is steadily crafting an artistic identity rooted in passion, inspiration, and discipline. From still-life landscapes to emotionally charged works inspired by Frida Kahlo, Vedant’s art reflects both sensitivity and imagination. Guided by supportive teachers and driven by curiosity, he is learning to capture emotions, express happiness in unnoticed details, and channel his creativity through the IB’s structured process.
In this conversation, he opens up about his inspirations, his creative journey, and the dreams he holds for the future
Tell us about yourself.
Writing, tennis, basketball, chess, and skating are activities that keep me inspired, and painting gives me happiness. What I usually like to paint is still life, such as landscapes, and most of my earlier artworks are those.
When did you begin your artistic journey?
I began in MYP-1. My former and present facilitators helped me and guided me well. I remember starting with a still life painting of some grapes. That was when I really started to enjoy art.
Who or what inspired you in the beginning?
Definitely my teachers, they supported me a lot and inspired me.
You have been imitating Frida Kahlo’s works. Why does she inspire you?
She expressed herself through her artworks. She went through hard times, her daughter died, she went through a divorce, and she expressed her emotions through painting. I really like that she expressed her life through her art.
Which of her artworks do you connect with the most, and why?
Honestly, it’s The Two Fridas. In that painting, one side of Frida’s heart is cut open, and the other’s is not. Both are wearing different dresses — one is a traditional Mexican dress and the other is modern. She expressed her emotions the most in that painting because at that time she went through a divorce, and she showed in the painting that her heart was cut open, and she was betrayed.
What kind of themes or emotions do you try to capture in your own artworks?
Mostly happiness — the happiness in little things that we usually don’t notice.
Could you walk us through your creative process?
Yes. In IB, we follow criteria like A, B, C, and D. In Criteria A, we research artists; for instance, this year we studied Frida Kahlo. In Criteria B, we create layouts of what we’re going to paint. In Criteria C, we create the actual final product on canvas. And in Criteria D, we reflect — what was good and what could have been better.
Have you showcased your artworks in any exhibitions?
Yes, in a small exhibition at school. Most of the feedback was really good, like 9 out of 10 overall. They said the layouts were strong, but that the texture could have been better. Earlier, one of my artworks was also displayed in the Bhatia Rangmanch event.
Do you see art as a profession in the future, or a hobby?
It’s a serious hobby, but not a full profession. Right now, I hope my artworks can be displayed in bigger exhibitions. That is my ambition.
Balancing studies and art is often difficult. How do you manage it?
It’s really hard, but usually I do studies at home, more on Saturdays, and art we mostly do in school. That way, I manage both.
What is your favourite medium to work with?
Acrylic on canvas. I think it’s better because if you ever make a mistake, you can paint right over it and no one notices.