22nd Annual Art Exhibition "Abhivyakti ek prayaas"

Name of the Department: School of Fine Arts

Name of the Event/Activity/Workshop/Seminar: 22^nd Annual Art Exhibition “Abhivyakti ek prayaas”

Date: 21-25 february 2025

Venue: Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur

No. of Participants: 158 students

Abhivyakti Ek Prayaas, a creative tradition spanning over two decades, has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of artistic expression at the Department of Fine Arts, IIS (deemed to be) University, Jaipur. The annual art exhibition provides a unique platform for young artists to showcase their creativity and talent. The 22nd edition of Abhivyakti, held at Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur, from February 21 to February 25, 2025, marked another significant milestone in this journey of artistic exploration and expression.

The event commenced with a grand opening ceremony attended by esteemed guests, art enthusiasts, collectors, and members of the art community. The exhibition was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Shri Ravi Jain IAS, Government Secretary in the Department of Tourism and Director General of Jawahar Kala Kendra and The Guest of Honour Shri Samdar Singh Khangarot ‘Sagar’, famously known for his murals. He has his specialisation in traditional tempera painting, he's also an experimental artist in many mediums. Their presence added to the event’s prestige, inspiring the budding artists.

This year, the exhibition witnessed the participation of 158 students from BFA and MFA programs, contributing approximately 2000 artworks. The works spanned various artistic disciplines, including painting, sculpture, applied arts, printmaking, and photography. The diversity of artworks reflected students’ engagement with experimental techniques and innovative mediums, pushing the boundaries of traditional artistic practices.

Abhivyakti serves as an essential bridge between classroom learning and real-world artistic exposure. It allows students to translate their academic knowledge into tangible expressions of creativity. Beyond being a display of visual brilliance, the exhibition provided students with invaluable opportunities to interact with professionals. They learned essential skills such as exhibiting their works, engaging spectators, and networking with art collectors and critics.

As part of Abhivyakti, an alumni event “Creative Continumm” was organized on February 22, 2025 bringing together former students who have made significant strides in the art world. This gathering provided a platform for current students to interact with alumni, gaining insights into their professional journeys and experiences. Notable alumni shared their success stories, career challenges, and valuable advice on establishing themselves in the competitive art industry. The event fostered a sense of community and motivation among students, reinforcing the importance of perseverance and innovation in their artistic endeavors.

Prominent art figures, including Nathulal Verma, Vinay Sharma, Mohammed Salim, Rajneesh Harsh, Tanuja Singh, L. N. Naga, I.U. Khan, Viren Bannu, Mani Bhartiya and others engaged with students, offering guidance and insights into the professional art world. These renowned artists shared their experiences and expertise, helping students understand the nuances of building a career in the competitive field of art. They discussed various aspects of the profession, such as portfolio building, marketing strategies, and the significance of storytelling through art. Additionally, they provided personalized feedback on students' works, encouraging them to refine their techniques and experiment with different mediums and art styles. Their mentorship was invaluable in broadening the students’ perspectives and motivating them to pursue their artistic ambitions with confidence. The presence of these eminent artists reinforced the importance of perseverance, originality, and adaptability in the ever-evolving art landscape.

One of the significant highlights of Abhivyakti was its role in helping students take their first steps into the commercial art world. Many students successfully sold their artworks, boosting their confidence and enthusiasm for pursuing a career in art. Students who showcased and sold their works included BFA Students Sem II students Nirjara Meena, Yashasvi Daga, Sania Khan, Vishuddhi Shah, Himanshi, Aastha Agrawal, Priyanka Sharma, Tina Jain, Bhanupriya, Gunn Vajpayee, Khushboo Saini, Devanshi Choudhary, Somya Jain, Sem IV students Kalpana Kumawat , Sem VI students Vridhi Pandya, Khushi Kumawat, Tarishi Raj Saxena, Jyoti Katewa, Shwetanjali Solanki, Jayshree Rathore, Anshika Sharma, Sem VIII students Harkirat Kaur, Aditi Jain, Vidhisha Sharma, Ritu Rawat, MFA Students – Saniya Panwar, Satabdi Majumdar .The platform also prepared students for future gallery collaborations by providing hands-on experience in artwork preparation, exhibition setup, and jury participation. These elements are crucial for building a strong artistic resume and establishing oneself in the professional art field.

Through Abhivyakti Ek Prayaas, IIS University continues to provide aspiring artists with tools and opportunities to present their creativity on a broader stage. This initiative not only nurtures artistic talent but also equips students with the practical knowledge needed to thrive in the art industry. As the exhibition continues to grow and evolve, it remains a beacon of inspiration, fostering artistic excellence and innovation among young artists.