The Sixth Edition of Abhivyakti – The City Arts Project, organised by the UNM Foundation of the Mehta Family’s Torrent Group, has surpassed an impressive milestone, drawing over 1 lakh visitors in just the first 10 days of the event. This significant achievement highlights the growing popularity of the fortnight-long festival, which continues to captivate art enthusiasts and the general public alike.
On Saturday, the event featured a variety of artistic activities, including a one-day Flipbook Animation workshop and an enchanting Kathak performance that left attendees mesmerised.
In the visual arts segment, Kaumudi Sahasrabudhe, a renowned animator and lead artist for India’s first live-action and animated feature film Bhagmati, hosted a Flipbook Animation Workshop. The session, attended by 50 participants aged 10 and above, introduced attendees to the fundamentals of flipbook animation. Despite being one of the most basic forms of animation, flipbooks offer a fun and engaging way to create motion, appealing to both young children and adults. Participants spent the day sketching and brainstorming, producing their own flipbooks to take home.
The day also featured a captivating Kathak performance by Dhara Vanera, titled The Story of Sun and Moon. Vanera’s performance intertwined intricate footwork, graceful movements, and expressive storytelling. Through her dance, she portrayed the love story of the Sun and Moon, exploring their bond despite their differences. The performance symbolised resilience and enduring love, capturing the moon’s quiet shine amidst the sun’s fading light. The audience was deeply moved by the emotive dance, which was complemented by soulful music.
The visual arts installations also proved to be a major highlight of the event. Kolkata-based artist Prithwish Daw presented his installation Legacy of Cities, which took viewers on a journey through the historical and socio-political evolution of Kolkata. Through layered compositions, Daw blended the city’s architectural heritage with its evolving social story, emphasising the importance of art in preserving history and connecting generations.
Hasan Shahrukh, an artist from Kota, Rajasthan, presented Bhaav Nagari, an immersive exhibition that explored the intersection of Indian mythology and futuristic science fiction. The installation delved into themes of AI ethics and societal values, sparking reflections on the balance between technological progress and ethical responsibility.
Anil Majmudar’s installation, Collective Memory, invited visitors to reflect on shared societal experiences, particularly in relation to demonetisation and the societal upheaval it caused. Through his thought-provoking work, Majmudar captured the confusion and adaptability of people in the face of sudden change, resonating deeply with the audience.
Performance Schedule for 1st December 2024:
| Venue | Artists | Theme | Art Form | Time |
| Amphitheatre – GU Campus | Gopal Agarwal & Aakash Vanzara | Territorial | Dance – Contemporary with Martial Arts | 07:15 pm |
| Auditorium – GU Campus | Aman Raithata | MeghShyam | Music – Indo- Western Classical Fusion | 07:15 pm |
| Manch – GU Campus | Ravi Ughrejiya | Ajab Nyay Tamaro Gajab Nyay Tamaro | Theatre – Satire | 07:15 pm |
| ATIRA | Anirudh Verma Collectives | Kahat Kabir | Music – Contemporary Indian Classical | 07:15 pm |
| Platform GU | Tarak Patel | Urban Drums | Dance – Afro Dance | 08:30 pm |
| Platform ATIRA | Mehul Prajapati | Sangeetyatra (Swar) | Music – Indian Classical | 08:30 pm |
| Amphitheatre – GU Campus | Keatan Jadhav | IELO | Theatre – Musical Satire | 09:30 pm |
| Auditorium – GU Campus | Amrita Lahiri | Ananta-Unlimited Women | Dance – Kuchipudi | 09:30 pm |
| Manch – GU Campus | Mousam & Malka Mehta | Hori ke Rasia | Music – Traditional Folk | 09:30 pm |
| ATIRA | Srilakshmi | I am a disco dancer | Dance – Waacking | 09:30 pm |
With its diverse array of workshops, performances, and installations, Abhivyakti continues to offer a platform for creative expression, bringing together art lovers from all walks of life to celebrate culture and heritage in innovative ways.
