The sixth edition of Abhivyakti – The City Arts Project, organised by the UNM Foundation of the Mehta family’s Torrent Group, drew large crowds on the final weekend. Themed “Stories from the Soul,” this year’s festival captivated art enthusiasts of all ages with a blend of thought-provoking art installations, performances, and musical experiences.
The festival’s closing Saturday featured an eclectic mix of contemporary and Indian classical dance, experimental theatre, clowning, and puppetry. Music lovers were treated to diverse performances, ranging from traditional folk to indie-contemporary sounds, leaving audiences enthralled.
Art Installations That Inspired Reflection
Abhivyakti’s visual art installations offered visitors an immersive experience, showcasing works by talented artists from Gujarat.
1. “Deleting Lights” by Divyom Mehta (Ahmedabad):
Ahmedabad-based artist Divyom Mehta presented Deleting Lights, a captivating installation exploring the interplay of darkness, light, and sound. Inspired by sunlight filtering through trees, Mehta used biomorphic forms to cast dynamic shadows that changed with movement. Cameras detected these shadows, translating them into sound, creating an immersive meditative experience. Visitors stood beneath the installation, finding comfort and reflection in the absence of light.
2. “I Slit It Off” by Jasmi Paladiya (Surat):
Surat-based artist Jasmi Paladiya delved into femininity and its connection to nature through I Slit It Off. Her organic, mushroom-like shapes symbolized the nurturing qualities of women and nature’s regenerative power. The installation invited audiences to view women as emotional and symbolic nurturers, reflecting the interconnectedness of femininity, fertility, and life’s cycles.
3. “Finding a Home?” by Sunny Sahani (Surat):
Budding artist Sunny Sahani explored the emotional resonance of language in his installation Finding a Home?. Using taunting poetry and provocative words, Sahani highlighted the beauty and strength hidden within negativity. His work prompted viewers to reflect on how language shapes emotions and perceptions, offering a journey through the emotional impact of words.
4. “Stillness in Motion” by Vruddhi Patel (Ahmedabad):
Ahmedabad’s Vruddhi Patel showcased Stillness in Motion, an artwork examining humanity’s disconnect from the physical world in the digital age. Drawing inspiration from nature’s textures and patterns, Patel’s work emphasized mindfulness and the beauty of minute details in the present moment. Her tactile art invited introspection, encouraging audiences to reconnect with the natural world through its intricate textures and emotions.
Performance Schedule for 8th December 2024
| Venue | Artists | Theme | Art Form | Time |
| Amphitheatre – GU Campus | Debapriya Das | Parikrama- A Journey Within | Dance – Belly Dancing | 07:15 pm |
| Auditorium – GU Campus | Tushar Sharma | 99 Days | Theatre – Humour & Drama | 07:15 pm |
| Manch – GU Campus | Arif Mir | Gol Chashma | Music – Folk fusion | 07:15 pm |
| ATIRA | Chetan Daiya | Welcome Bhurabhai | Theatre – Humour | 07:15 pm |
| Platform GU | Ragi Khambhalvi | Char Bait Gujarati | Music – Folk | 08:30 pm |
| Platform ATIRA | Mansi Modi | Funambulism | Dance – Street Art Form | 08:30 pm |
| Amphitheatre – GU Campus | Saumya Joshi | Oh!!! Womaniya – | Theatre | 09:30 pm |
| Auditorium – GU Campus | Mishal R. Bhatiya | Purushartham | Music – indie | 09:30 pm |
| Manch – GU Campus | Asmita Thakur | Vi-Ka-Vi-Bu: Vinash Kaale Dance Viparita Buddhi | Dance – Comedy Humoristic, Kathak Dance Drama | 09:30 pm |
| ATIRA | Anirudh Verma Collectives | Kahat Kabir | Music – Contemporary with Classical | 09:30 pm |
The closing weekend encapsulated the festival’s spirit, blending visual storytelling with live performances that resonated with audiences deeply. The theme “Stories from the Soul” encouraged visitors to explore new dimensions of creativity while reflecting on the interconnectedness of humanity and nature.
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