A painting exhibition is underway at International School, Dhaka (ISD), showcasing artworks created by their students. The exhibition will run till February 16, and is open to the ISD community only.

Since ISD follows the International Baccalaureate curriculum, their approach to education is a holistic one with a strong emphasis on the creative arts. Students are not only encouraged to take part in visual and performing arts, but also taught to put art education at the centre of all their academic activities. For example, their lessons on colour theory and positive and negative space impact their presentation skills in science and broaden their creative abilities in language.  They are also able to approach mathematics from a new angle.

The participating students, ranging from grade 6 to 10, were given a central theme to explore and then submit their final projects in the medium of their choice. Subjects such as identity through a pop cultural lens, narrative responses to global issues and still life are covered by the participants.

As a principle, ISD imparts to its younger students the basic skills and techniques of drawing and painting. As they gradually progress, the students are allowed more freedom to explore their particular areas of interest and are not restricted within any one medium. From acrylics, watercolour, pencil to digital art and clay, the students are free to find their tool of choice to express themselves. The students, at an initial stage, are allowed to copy from the works of masterful artists as they can be a part of an important learning experience, provided that proper references are given. Students also maintain an art journal, in which they document their processes of creation, thoughts and inspirations.

ISD does not only focus on art-making in the classroom, but aims to give their children a broader experience by exhibiting their artworks, taking them to art galleries and equipping them with the skills to critique their own work and the work of others. Many students from the institution go on to pursue art and creative fields in their later education.