Abhivyakti – The City Arts Project, in its sixth edition, mesmerised attendees with its vibrant showcase of India’s traditional and contemporary art forms. Organised by the UNM Foundation of the Mehta family’s Torrent Group, the festival celebrated the rich cultural heritage of India while also embracing experimental and modern interpretations of art.
From soul-stirring folk music to thought-provoking theatre and awe-inspiring dance performances, the event ensured an inclusive cultural experience for all age groups.
Diverse Performances Captivate Audience
The evening began with Gopal Agarwal and Aakash Vanzara’s performance of contemporary dance-themed ‘Territorial’. They explore the fragile relationship between humans and wildlife, a theme they believe is more relevant than ever. The fusion of dance with martial arts portrayed the destruction caused by human encroachment while also paying tribute to those advocating for conservation.
Sharnam Vrund led by singer Anupa Pota brought the soulful melodies of ‘Betha Garba’ to the stage. This 17th-century Naagar tradition is a homage to our Kuldevi during Navratri. It is about preserving our roots and invoking Mataji with devotion. The performance transported the audience into a world of cultural pride and nostalgia.
In Coming Soon’, a dark comedy play by Devanshu Shah and Devang Nayak, the struggles of land acquisition and societal emotions resonated deeply with the audience. Through humour and satire, they highlighted the human cost of unchecked development. The narrative revolves around a young man’s attempt to reclaim ancestral land to fund his mother’s treatment, grappling with themes of morality and familial bonds.
Dr Ayswaria Warriar’s ‘Tripoothu’ took Mohiniyattam to new heights by celebrating the menstruation of Goddess Parvati, a rare festival often shrouded in societal taboos. Through dance, music and storytelling, She aims to honour the divine feminine and challenge age-old stigmas.
Kathak dancers Tarini Tripathi and Shalmali Zankar mesmerised with ‘Alokik’, exploring Sankhya philosophy’s cosmic union of Prakriti (material) and Purusha (consciousness). The interplay of creation, existence, and liberation is at the heart of our piece.
‘Shunyavatar’, a theatre performance by Priyank Upadhyay, delved into existential questions of self-identity. It wanted to ask: Who are you without your name, profession or culture? This journey of un-layering the self challenges the audience to awaken from their conscious slumber.
Hiral Balsara blended Bharatnatyam with aerial dance in ‘The Untold’, narrating a powerful story about a prostitute-turned-mother and her struggles with societal acceptance. This is a tribute to the resilience of women who fight against all odds.
Twin sisters Mousam and Malka Mehta delivered a spellbinding performance with ‘Hori Ke Rasia’, showcasing Krishna’s playful leelas. They immersed themselves in the divine spirit of Faag and Braj folk traditions, bringing the audience closer to Krishna’s timeless tales.
The evening concluded with a humorous play, ‘Welcome Bhurabhai’, by Chetan Daiya. The play wanted to strike a balance between laughter and meaningful commentary on corruption and societal neglect.
Visual Art Installations Reflect Society’s Complexities
Visual arts further enriched the event with powerful installations.
Saakshi B. Shah and Chaitanya Tank’s ‘Swashray – a canvas of thoughts’ invited viewers to introspect on their identities. The art reflects the unique perspectives that shape us as individuals.
Another standout installation was ‘Metamorphosis: A Visual Exploration of Urban Slum Challenges’, created by visual artist Himalay Boruah from Dibrugarh, Assam. Drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of his lush hometown, Boruah crafts artworks that encapsulate the essence of nature. This particular installation sheds light on the struggles faced by residents of neglected urban slums. The building, serving as a metaphor for these hardships, becomes a canvas portraying the stark realities of life in impoverished communities.
Its crumbling facade—marked by cracked walls, peeling paint, and shattered windows—symbolises both the resilience and strength of these communities. Through this piece, the artist encourages viewers to reflect on the tenacity of marginalised groups, the pressing need for social and environmental justice, and the possibility of positive change amidst adversity.
Kshetrimayum Gopinath Singh’s ‘Echoes of Loktak’ highlighted the paradox of Manipur’s beauty and conflict. Loktak Lake and the endangered Sangai deer embody both the pride and struggles of our land.
A Grand Celebration of Arts
Abhivyakti – The City Arts Project aims to make art accessible to everyone. The mission is to celebrate diverse art forms and provide a platform for budding artists, free from economic or social barriers.
Abhivyakti features a diverse array of art forms, including dance, music, painting, photography, installations, and theatre. Its goal is to provide access to world-class art for everyone, completely free of charge.
This year, the festival will host 49 artists performing 50 acts alongside 46 visual art installations. It is being held from November 21 to December 8, 2024.
Also Read: Indian Rupee Sinks to 84.50, Marks Fresh Record Low Against USD
