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Speaker Session by the Club President, Soumya Siddhartha Mohanty, on Indian Art to the UTS Sydney student group:
 Students from different corners of the world shared a common platform to express their views on art on February 2, 2012. The session delivered by the Soumya Siddhartha Mohanty, President of the Art and Creativity Club was an ice breaker. It used an insider’s lens to discuss Indian art. Mohanty used the session to open the floor to healthy arguments and positive interaction. The student group from UTS Sydney seemed to have enjoyed it thoroughly, and demonstrated their inquisitiveness with eager interactions, right through the two hour-long session that began with the basic question: What is art? An in-depth discussion on Indian art history followed. The visitors from Australia, Peru, Saudi Arabia and Germany offered their own perspectives that enriched the audience’s understanding of art. The business of art – pricing and investment, and the advent and profitability of the newly floated Art Funds – also evoked interest, but the discussion on art itself was better received. Questions ranged from the universal, “Can you teach someone art?” to the personal, “Being an artist, why did you join ISB?” The session was not only refreshing, but also fun. High Tea followed the session, and this was when the audience broke into boisterous informal discussions that surrounded art, business and careers. A few members of the group expressed an interest in viewing the artworks that had been exhibited at the recently concluded art exhibition Panache, and they were obliged – a few of the available artworks were shown, dissected and discussed as the group marveled at the wizardry of Indian artists on canvas.
Panache, an art exhibition:
 An Art Exhibition that featured the most eclectic works by top Indian artists, “Panache,” was inaugurated by ISB Dean Ajit Rangnekar on December 16, 2012. More than 1000 visitors attended the exhibition over the two days. The exhibition was a first of its kind that not only celebrated 10 years of ISB but was also graced by distinguished names from the art fraternity. The Art and Creativity Club had joined hands with “ Artizon,” a student startup and an art gallery that is already making waves in the Indian art industry to stage and source the best of Indian art. On display were the finest of Indian contemporary art, with prices ranging from Rs.20,000 to Rs.2,50,000. The styles were as diverse as the subjects, and traversed from Indian culture to Freudian philosophy. The audiences were simply awestruck by the sheer magnificence of the 33 works from 12 distinguished artists, that included prominent artists such as Guru Kinkar, Hem Raj, Satyajeet Shinde, Sanjib Gogoi, Palash Halder and Dipak Kundu. The exhibition was held in conjunction with Solstice, and stood testimony to ISB's passion for diversity.
“Panache” at ISB - a statement:
 As the English lexicon defines it, panache stands for “distinctive and stylish elegance.” It is this very common thread that ties this assortment of paintings - the ideas that underlie each of the pieces on display stem from heads that have learnt to rule those hands that conjure captivating imagery. Art that not only basks eloquent in an unconventional space that houses it, but also exudes the power of the maverick.
Though it is almost impossible to segregate imagination and box it with price tags that substantiate its mettle, the business of art has come a long way in its endeavour of identifying and isolating the extraordinary from the mediocre. However, despite the proliferation of complex and elaborate models to quantify the value of human fantasy etched on canvas, art remains personal in its effect and transaction. Finance thoroughbreds may not have been able to measure something as abstract as imagination sprayed over a canvas with accuracy in terms of currency, but they have learnt a thing or two about the value of an artwork. This is also why there has been an influx of funds that invest in art, or private banking solutions that treat art as one of those timeless assets that when chosen wisely, yield flabbergasting returns when markets hit rock bottom. Damien Hirst’s “Golden Calf,” staged in the middle of a seething global meltdown in 2008 reinstated that exact point when it took a little over 10 million pounds for a dead buffalo laden with 18 carat gold. Similarly, prices for Indian contemporary art, in recent times, have gone through the roof. An art exhibition in the premises of an esteemed business school may not be as perceived as misplaced.
The value of a work of art has also manifested itself as a function of the reputation of its maker. This relationship therefore, demands a distinct voice from the artist - almost every artist dabbles into experimentation, diverse media and years of craftsmanship to find that voice. “Panache” brings forth a selection of voices that have withstood the grind of time, and emerged triumphant in their expression. Accomplished artists, who have stamped their identities on a roll of canvas, more often than not, mesmerize an audience with the visual delicacies they create. On one hand, we have the inimitable Guru Kinkar, and on the other, a Hem Raj. Different as chalk and cheese, while one projects the Freudian philosophy, the other uses a safely-guarded technique, a best-kept secret, close to his chest.
Every artist has a way of finding and expressing himself, which culminates in the formation of a definitive style. Leveraging upon these unique bodies of work that associate themselves with, we bring you “Panache.” When talking of value, these works are more than what a financial analysis may suggest: they are style statements in themselves.
Colorz: A water colour workshop:
There couldn’t have been a better name for a day(December 4, 2011) the ISB student body painted the town red – Colours. In what was a distinct departure from the usual party hopping weekends at ISB, this was more subtle and fun. Enthusiasm was rife, and with a brush in hand, every know-it-all adult had traced his way back into childhood – this was a time to let go, learn and create. Puja Hait was in charge, and she proved to be just as good a teacher, as she was an artist. Not spending much time on theory, she delivered a quick painting lesson and jumped straight to the hands-on part. There were a number of paintings for the participants to choose from and replicate. While a few grabbed the ones that caught their attention, others refrained from emulating any of the available artworks. A few of the participants went on to paint from their imagination, and to everyone’s surprise, did it well. While Hait helped complete some paintings, she ensured that the participants had enough space to enjoy the process. At the end of the day, there were smiles everywhere – the participants and the Club core team had loads of fun, while learning more than a thing or two about painting.
Karl Antao, the maestro returns to his second home:
 An evening well spent; that's what it was. In a distinct departure from sessions hosted by CEOs, an evening of candid interaction with Karl Antao came as a wisp of fresh air. ISB has been a second home to many revered artists of the country, who have been a part of the unique “Artist-In-Residence” and business and arts programme held annually on campus. The Art and Creativity Club was privileged to host sculptor extraordinaire, Karl Antao, on the November, 28, 2011. An artist who breathes in the ISB structure through his work of art (a sculpture created during his stint at the “Artist-In-Residence” programme of 2003 in the ISB campus), Karl Antao, was a delight!
Addressing an august gathering at ISB, he mesmerized the audience by speaking eloquently about the marriage of art and business with wit and insight. Talking at length about his evolution as an artist – from being an award-winning adman at Lintas to becoming the wizard of wood – he emphasised the need to understand one's own interests and longings. For the benefit of an inquisitive audience, he went on to dissect his earlier works of art – the underlying inspirations, the implicit details and the purpose of the products of his imagination. It was particularly fascinating to understand the motivation underlying his famous “Tree Of Humanity” at the Ahmedabad International Art Festival, where the common man of Ahmedabad found a channel to voice his vision and wish for the. People could pen down their hopes for their beloved city on pieces of cloth or paper and tie them to the branches that made the sculpture, the tree. At the end of the festival, these wishes were gathered and deposited with the mayor for perusal.
His friendly disposition encouraged the audience to question him extensively. His answers would, quite invariably, elicit a response marked by applause. The session lasted for over two hours while he took the stage, and another hour after he had thanked the attendees. Budding artists, writers, poets and musicians rushed to the cynosure of the night – some gathered autographs, while others asked for pointers to improve at their craft. The ISB community was enchanted, and enriched. Evenings such as these are treasured by ISB, and as the Art and Creativity Club bid Antao goodbye with a token of appreciation, it was evident that ISB had carved a special place in his heart. This visit was certainly a memorable chapter in a long and warm relationship that ISB has nurtured with the stalwarts of Indian art: This visit was pure magic!
Photo Frame Event
The Art and Creativity Club organised a Photo Frame Making Workshop during “Bandhan” 2012, held on August 15, for 350+ children from several nonprofit run schools. The theme of the workshop was “Self Portraits.” The children gave flight to their imagination and intuition when coming up with brilliant frames based on the theme. Prior to the workshop, the children had their photos clicked by members of the ISB Photography Club, which they used to make their individual frames. Throughout the event, the children’s team spirit, bonding and collaboration was unmistakable. By letting their creative juices flow, the children not only enjoyed themselves but also made it a special day for the student volunteers at ISB who were instrumental in this event’s success.
Collage Competition
The Art and Creativity Club held a Collage Making Competition on July 23, 2011 for the Class of 2012. Through teamwork, the students came up with brilliant collages based on the theme “2021”. Not only did the wonderfully crafted collages delight the judges, they also made choosing a winner extremely tough. With creative concepts and design at the heart of their art, the team comprising Nidhi Bhardwaj, Ajitesh Kumar Awadhiya, Mudita Todi, Nagajyothi Nookula and Soumya Ks emerged winners.
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