The sixth edition of Abhivyakti – The City Arts Project, an initiative by the UNM Foundation of the Mehta Family’s Torrent Group, mesmerised audiences with a vibrant showcase of Gujarat’s artistic heritage. Held recently, the evening featured a remarkable array of performances, from puppet theatre and fusion dance to immersive visual art installations, leaving attendees deeply moved and inspired.
Puppeteer and visual artist Rahul Kanthariya captivated the audience with his experimental puppet theatre performance, narrating the iconic Gujarati tale Charan Kanya. Inspired by the original creation by celebrated poet and author Zaverchand Meghani, Kanthariya reimagined the narrative, infusing it with innovative visual and performative techniques. His rendition honoured Meghani’s legacy while bridging the gap between traditional literature and contemporary theatre. The performance breathed new life into the poem’s narrative, creating an emotionally rich experience that resonated deeply with viewers.
Kathak dancer Dhruti Joshi presented a powerful fusion dance piece titled Ability – The Journey of Equality. Her performance highlighted the unique potential of children with special needs, encouraging society to celebrate their abilities rather than overlook them. Combining classical Indian dance with Western influences, Joshi used the stage to advocate for inclusion and empowerment, creating a poignant and thought-provoking spectacle.
The visual arts segment of Abhivyakti featured compelling installations that delved into themes of identity, resilience, and childhood nostalgia.
- Yash Vyas: “Fractured Echoes, Fleeting Havens”
Yash Vyas explored the fragility of existence and the resilience of the human spirit through his installation. By juxtaposing shattered houses with microscopic structures representing hope and perseverance, Vyas invited viewers to reflect on displacement and the potential for renewal amid devastation. - Spandan Mundhe: “Paperweight”
Maharashtra-based artist Spandan Mundhe presented Paperweight, an evocative exploration of identity’s fluidity. The installation featured fragments of debris and butterflies, symbolising the tension between fragmentation and freedom. The butterfly, delicate yet determined, became a metaphor for the human spirit’s ability to transcend societal constraints and embrace individuality. - Mahesh Meher: “A Page from Childhood”
Artist Mahesh Meher drew on his rural upbringing to create A Page from Childhood, an interactive installation celebrating the innocence and joy of early life. Using elements like practice books, drawings, and sculptural keyboards, Meher invited viewers to reconnect with childhood memories, reflecting on their transformation into mature expressions of creativity.
Performance Schedule for 6th December 2024:
| Venue | Artists | Theme | Art Form | Time |
| Amphitheatre – GU Campus | Neelkantan I. Krishnan | Swayam-The Voice within | Music – Carnatic Fusion | 07:15 pm |
| Auditorium – GU Campus | Rahul Kanthariya | Charan Kanya | Theatre – Experimental Puppet theatre | 07:15 pm |
| Manch – GU Campus | Asmita Thakur | Vi-Ka-Vi-Bu: Vinash Kaale Viparit Buddhi | Dance – Comedy Humoristic Kathak Dance Drama | 07:15 pm |
| ATIRA | Anannya Vaidya | Vahi Kahani, Phir | Theatre – Experimental & Modern folk | 07:15 pm |
| Platform GU | Sarthak Dubey | Busknation | Dance – Street Performance – Hip hop | 08:30 pm |
| Platform ATIRA | Kiran Panchal | Marzi Mushayra | Theatre – Humour & Musical Play | 08:30 pm |
| Amphitheatre – GU Campus | Keatan Jadhav | IELO | Theatre – Musical Staire | 09:30 pm |
| Auditorium – GU Campus | Bhagwat Prajapati | Dway( A Journey of Eti-Neti) | Dance – Indian classical & Contemporary | 09:30 pm |
| Manch – GU Campus | Rucha Ajnaria | Anubhuti | Music – Classical fusion | 09:30 pm |
| ATIRA | Debjani Chatterjee | Vastra: Necessity, Dignity, Identity | Dance – Bharatnaytam | 09:30 pm |
Through diverse and innovative performances, Abhivyakti – The City Arts Project once again demonstrated its commitment to fostering dialogue between traditional and modern art forms. The event’s rich tapestry of performances and installations not only celebrated Gujarat’s cultural heritage but also addressed universal themes of resilience, equality, and human connection, leaving an indelible impression on its audience.
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