The sixth edition of Abhivyakti – The City Arts Project, an initiative of the UNM Foundation of the Mehta family’s Torrent Group, commenced on a grand note on November 21. The event drew art enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds to two vibrant venues: the Amphitheatre at Gujarat University and the ATIRA Campus.
The opening theatre performance, Oh! Womaniya, directed by renowned playwright Saumya Joshi, premiered at the Gujarat University Amphitheatre. Known for acclaimed works like Welcome Zindagi and 102 Not Out, Joshi delivered a suspenseful tale blending humour, satire, and innovative music. The story tackled the often-mundane yet impactful questions women face daily, brought to life through Jigna Vyas’s stellar performance.
At the ATIRA Campus, Khushi Langaliya presented her classical contemporary dance piece, Sangeetkarini Tana Riri. Paying tribute to 16th-century singers Tana and Riri from Vadnagar, the performance showcased their dedication to preserving musical traditions despite adversities. Langaliya, a Bharatnatyam expert, highlighted the sisters’ cultural contributions and their legendary connection to Raag Megh-Malhar, used to cure Tansen’s fever in Akbar’s court.
At both venues, a display of thought-provoking Visual Art Stories grabbed the attention of visitors. Siddharth Rathod from Ahmedabad presented ‘Signature of the Bird’, an experimental photographic installation that transforms bird flight patterns into artistic forms. By stitching together 25-60 simultaneous photos, Rathod created frames that mimic “signatures” in nature, particularly of starlings and bats. Sneha Lakhotia, a Kolkata-based artist, showcased ‘The Dreamcatcher’s Sneeze’, a whimsical yet critical exploration of society’s obsession with positivity, using dreamlike narratives to unearth hidden emotional stresses. Shilpeksh Khalorkar from Vadodara exhibited ‘Untamed Expansion’, an installation reflecting personal trauma and its ripple effects. His work juxtaposes decay and design to evoke a deeper understanding of anxiety and resilience.
Upcoming Performances
The festival’s schedule features an array of performances, open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Highlights for 22 November 2024 include:
| Venue | Artists | Theme | Art Form | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amphitheatre – GU Campus | Gopal Agarwal & Aakash Vanzara | Territorial | Dance (Contemporary & Martial Arts) | 7:15 pm |
| Auditorium – GU Campus | Anupa Pota | Betha Garba by Sharnam Vrund | Music | 7:15 pm |
| Manch – GU Campus | Devanshu Shah & Devang Nayak | Coming Soon | Theatre | 7:15 pm |
| ATIRA | Dr. Ayswaria Warriar | Tripoothu | Dance | 7:15 pm |
| Platform ATIRA | Tarini Tripathi & Shalmali Zankar | Alokik | Kathak | 8:30 pm |
| Amphitheatre – GU Campus | Priyank Upadhyay | Shunyavatar | Theatre | 9:30 pm |
| Auditorium – GU Campus | Hiral Balsara | The Untold | Aerial Dance | 9:30 pm |
| Manch – GU Campus | Mosam & Malka | Hori ke Rasia | Music | 9:30 pm |
| ATIRA | Chetan Daiya | Welcome Bhurabhai | Theatre | 9:30 pm |
Aiming to make art accessible to all, Abhivyakti – The City Arts Project celebrates creativity across genres, including dance, music, theatre, painting, and installations. The event, running from 21 November to 8 December 2024, features 49 artists performing 50 shows, alongside 46 visual art installations designed by 47 artists. Entry is free, providing a platform for budding talents to showcase their artistry to the city.
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