In a thought-provoking initiative, the students of Invictus International School recently unveiled an immersive art exhibition titled ‘City of Deferred Dreams’ and ‘Sliced Watermelon.’ Under the theme ‘Children’s Voices Against War,’ this exhibition aimed to shed light on the trials and tribulations faced by children caught in the crossfire of contemporary conflicts around the world.
The event, curated and scenographed by Parnab Mukherjee, a seasoned visual art curator and theatre professional, ventured beyond conventional art forms. The intention was not just to showcase aesthetically pleasing pieces but to stimulate a profound conversation about the essence of humanity and the harsh realities of global conflicts.
One of the central pieces of the exhibition was a visual installation that ingeniously used waste materials to explore war and conflict from a child’s perspective. The artwork aimed to pose the question: Why do children often become collateral damage in the chaos of war? Parnab Mukherjee emphasized the importance of sensitizing children to the struggles of their counterparts worldwide, stating, “It’s about conflicts that are being photoshopped, as they are not in Western media attention.”
The event featured students reading poignant poetry and performing music, all dedicated to innocent lives affected by global conflicts. Parnab Mukherjee, who has been actively involved in working with children across the country and organizing art workshops on the subject of war, stressed the significance of engaging children from diverse backgrounds. He asserted, “There is no reason for an urban child in Amritsar to talk about what’s happening in South Sudan or Congo or Yemen. It’s not just about Gaza or Ukraine; it’s about conflicts that are being overlooked.”
“The power to swap stories is what connects them all,” Mukherjee continued. By sharing narratives of children caught in conflicts around the globe, he aims to empower them to persevere and not lose hope. He argued that children need to be encouraged to understand the complexities of the world they live in. “If they are the ones facing this world, who are we protecting them from?” he asked.
Manjot Dhillon, Director of Invictus International School, highlighted the event’s purpose—to emphasize the importance of carrying these emotions forward. The goal is to build a world where the focus lies on nurturing the potential of children rather than witnessing their destruction. The initiative aimed to instill in the younger generation a sense of responsibility and awareness about global issues, fostering empathy and understanding beyond their immediate surroundings.
In conclusion, ‘Children’s Voices Against War’ serves as a poignant reminder that art, in all its forms, has the power to transcend boundaries and initiate crucial conversations about the world we live in. Through their creative expressions, the students of Invictus International School have made a compelling statement, urging society to prioritize the well-being and aspirations of children in the face of ongoing conflicts.
