Featuring 3 artworks from each of 190 elementary students – that’s a whopping 570 artworks – of the American International School Dhaka (AISD), the Elementary School Art Show opened on May 8, 2023.
While observing the artworks, prominently on display at the school in Dhaka, one couldn’t help but be amazed by the ingenuity, passion and use of several mediums by these very young, budding artists – some of whom may go on to achieve national and international acclaim.
A crucial factor behind that artistic journey is access to resources, encouragement from both parents and school, and platforms to showcase their works. All these elements seemed to be there for AISD students, as demonstrated through the exhibition and during conversation with the Elementary School Principal at AISD and the ES Art Teacher.
About the objective of the exhibition, preparation behind it, and display, the art teacher said: “So, this is the second art show that we’ve had that’s been in the physical space. Each student had three pieces of artwork that were part of the show. They produced the artwork, making the general decisions about what’s going to go in the show, and then as a curator, I made the final decisions based on space and placement.”
“The artworks are placed on the wall, and then anything that is 3D was either placed on a stand or on a table. They’re all arranged with the title of the artwork, the artist’s name and then what media they used,” the teacher said.
“We have classes, so there is not often a time when the parents get to see what the kids do in the art room, and they’re working towards going into Middle School. Having a gallery or an exhibition is important as it makes them feel special. I mean, that’s actually what happens with art – it goes into a gallery, so it’s just giving that feel and making them feel that their artwork has value,” the art teacher explained why the exhibition is important.