Amin Abbas

DUBAI: A special student gallery exhibition was held at Dubai’s Greenfield International School, where it featured art pieces inspired by Japanese culture. 

“(The exhibition) showcased an impressive intercultural display of artwork and highlighted Japan’s significant influence on some of our students,” Vasavi Koka, an art teacher at the school and an organizer of the exhibition, told Arab News Japan. 

Grade eight’s artwork featured hats that were inspired by Japan’s Sakura season. “The hat design integrates polymer clay, kimono fabric, and resin. It also pays tribute to the intricate beauty of kimono dresses and obi sashes,” the teacher said.

Highlights also include the jellyfish hat inspired by the Japanese legend of Ryujin, the dragon king of Japanese mythology, which embodies the essence of this mystical figure who holds sway over the seas and serpents with his magic jewels. In the rich tapestry of Japanese folklore, Ryujin symbolizes both the dangers and the blessings entrusted to the ocean.

“Similarly, grade ten students designed sculptural buildings inspired by various cultures, with many choosing to focus on Japanese culture, leading to diverse and unique creations. Additionally, three Japanese buildings in the grade ten display reflect Japanese architecture, showcasing the playful and cultural nuances of Tokyo through the artistic perspective of James Rizzi,” she said.

The school faced a variety of challenges while organizing the exhibition, such as finishing everything on time and curating the exhibition with enough detail.

“We aimed to make the exhibition immersive and interactive by incorporating music and sound. Having so many different components meant communicating with several different departments to ensure successful collaboration,” Koka told Arab News Japan.

Many students responded positively to the art gallery, as they viewed it as a tool to learn more about other cultures. “Parents were proud to see their children’s creativity on display, and teachers appreciated how the units fostered broad and intellectually rich creativity,” the teacher said.