“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” – Edgar Degas
At CPS Global School, Thirumazhisai, learning extends beyond the classroom through meaningful experiential opportunities that enrich students’ understanding of the arts. As part of the Visual Arts curriculum, IGCSE and IB Visual Arts students visited The Shape of Belonging, a contemporary art exhibition hosted by Maisha Studio at Lalit Kala Akademi, Chennai. The exhibition brought together 20 artists exploring the idea of “Home”—not merely as a physical place, but as a space shaped by memory, identity, culture, personal history, and lived experiences. Curated by Aishwarya Manivannan and Zehra Marikar, the exhibition invited viewers to reflect on how belonging is experienced, remembered, and redefined over time.
During the visit, students engaged closely with a diverse range of artworks, including paintings, mixed-media pieces, installations, and contemporary visual narratives. They observed how artists communicated complex ideas through symbolism, materials, composition, and personal storytelling. The exhibition provided valuable insights into contemporary artistic practices and encouraged students to explore multiple perspectives on identity and place. Students participated in thoughtful discussions, documented observations, and reflected on the themes presented. The experience enhanced their contextual understanding and supported key aspects of the IGCSE and IB Visual Arts programmes, including visual analysis, critical thinking, research, and artistic inquiry.
The visit was both inspiring and educational, encouraging students to connect their own experiences with broader cultural and artistic conversations. Such opportunities play a significant role in nurturing reflective, creative, and culturally aware young artists, empowering them to develop deeper connections with art and the world around them. At CPS Global School, Thirumazhisai, we continue to foster artistic curiosity and meaningful learning experiences that inspire students to see, think, and create beyond boundaries.
Student Reflections
A visit to “Shape of Belonging”, organized by Maisha Studio, was an eye-opening experience. The exhibition brought together a variety of mediums and vibrant colours, all connected through a shared sense of home and identity, making the experience truly memorable. My favourite piece was “Dhristi Bommai”, a multi-panel canvas painting featuring a series of the traditional dhristi bommai often placed outside houses, reimagined in a contemporary manner. Overall, the exhibition was a celebration of diverse artistic talents that came together to create a cohesive narrative—one that beautifully reflected the idea of belonging.
– Nandana R Roy
Visual Arts Student, IBDP Year 2
The exhibition was a very inspiring experience for me. I was amazed by the creativity and skill shown in the artworks, especially because they were created by students around my age. It encouraged me to explore different ideas and view concepts from new perspectives. One artwork that particularly stood out to me was Sakku, which represented the artist’s grandmother and her importance in the artist’s life. The acrylic painting featured hibiscus flowers and pairs of keys decorated with gemstones, symbolizing memories and personal connections. Seeing this artwork helped me understand how art can tell meaningful stories and express emotions in unique ways.
– Chaw Su
Visual Arts Student, IBDP Year 2
