Kaleidoscope of creativity, courage, and curiosity

In an IB school, the Theory of Knowledge (ToK) and Visual Arts (VA) Exhibition are not just events; they’re vibrant expressions of thought and identity. TOK unlocks the “why” behind knowledge, while VA showcases the soul behind creativity. Together, they spark reflection, challenge perspectives, and shape students into thoughtful, globally-minded individuals with voices that matter.

Creativity, colour, and curiosity filled the air as Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park, hosted its much-awaited MYP VA Exhibition. Held on the third floor of the school building, the entire space transformed into a vibrant celebration of student imagination and artistic expression. From the moment you stepped onto the staircase leading to the floor, you were met with an explosion of creativity — art wasn’t just confined to walls or canvases; it had spilled onto every surface.

The staircase became an attraction, decked out in themed decor that prepared visitors for the magic awaiting above. As you entered the exhibition area, every corner seemed to whisper a different story. The VA MYP students took centrestage, and each display reflected not only technical skill but also the deep thought and passion poured into the process. The entire floor buzzed with excitement, laughter, admiration, and meaningful conversation — truly, it was art in its purest, most engaging form.

One of the highlights of the exhibition was an interactive standee that invited visitors to answer a simple yet deeply reflective question: “What makes a place feel like home to you?” The board was quickly filled with colourful sticky notes as parents, students, and teachers penned down heartfelt answers, ranging from family, pets, and warm meals to peace, belonging, and laughter. It was a beautiful, collaborative artwork in itself, reminding us all that home is often a feeling more than a place.

Among the many standout displays was a stunning piece by Shreya Gupta, a talented MYP 4 student. Her work portrayed the modern woman, Émilie Flöge, using the delicate technique of quilling paper art. Her composition brilliantly blended traditional craft with contemporary themes. The use of quilling added texture and depth, while her acrylic palette — featuring rich gold and bold black —brought elegance and contrast to the portrait. It was clear from every detail that this was a labour of love. Shreya shared that she spent nearly a month crafting this piece, and the result was nothing short of a masterpiece.

On a very different, yet equally impressive note, was Saanvi Sharma, another gifted MYP student, whose display invited viewers into a surreal world of human-nature connection. Her standout painting titled “Zoo Visit” cleverly flipped the concept of captivity by portraying a woman observing a bird and a fish in an open, liberated environment. The animals, unconfined and free, symbolised harmony between nature and humanity.

Saanvi’s work was deeply inspired by Jogen Choudhury’s renowned painting The Woman with Fish and Bird. Her technique paid homage to the master — incorporating similar subjects, colour themes, and pen strokes — yet carried her unique voice. What elevated her work even further was her experimentation with mediums. In her e-portfolio piece, she introduced linocut — a printmaking technique where the image is carved into a linoleum surface. Her striking design played with negative and positive space, with deep blacks creating strong contrast against untouched white. This complex artwork took nearly three weeks to complete and left a lasting impression on every viewer.

Another showstopper was a massive mosaic artwork by Nithik, a student from MYP 3. Taking over three months to create, his mosaic was a powerful visual experience. Composed of countless tiny elements placed with precision, the artwork was both beautiful and symbolic. Nithik also presented a second piece — an expressive scenery inspired by greats like Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh. This artwork powerfully conveyed the message of the Black Lives Matter movement, blending cubism and post-impressionist influences with bold, contemporary relevance. His work struck a balance between artistic skill and social commentary, making it both thought-provoking and visually impactful.

As parents strolled through the gallery, clicking photos, asking questions, and admiring each piece, the energy of the space felt electric. The MYP exhibition was more than a display — it was a celebration of how young minds interpret the world around them. Each student brought their perspective, cultural understanding, and emotional voice into their creations, making the exhibition a melting pot of ideas, emotions, and inspiration.

“As the Visual Arts facilitator, I’m thrilled to present the MYP VA exhibition, where students from MYP 1 to 5 beautifully expressed themselves through diverse themes and mediums. From using organic materials like kumkum and haldi to making their glue, the creativity has been incredible. Students explored photography, paper quilling, mosaic, tile art, and were inspired by artists such as Jayshree Chakraborty and Jogin Chaudhary. They delved into themes like black identity and movements like Fauvism, where colour became the core of their expression. Each year level tackled unique challenges — whether it was rapid sketching, crosshatching, or expressive landscapes — showing their growth and exploration beyond the curriculum. This exhibition is a true celebration of how our students evolve as artists, thinkers, and storytellers,” Ms Kanika Goel, Visual Arts Facilitator, MYP & DP, shared.

The success of this exhibition lies not just in the artwork but in the sheer effort, passion, and originality shown by the students. Every participant, from MYP 1 to MYP 5, presented their finest, and it was heartening to witness such authentic self-expression in action.

In a world where art often takes a backseat to academics, Apeejay’s IB School proved that creativity deserves a place at the forefront. This wasn’t just an exhibition — it was a magical journey into the hearts and minds of the next generation of artists.

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