The Dawoodi Bohra community’s Education Department hosted an art exhibition, smART Talent Hunt 2025, featuring more than 500 works created by 94 students from schools across the globe. The event was held at Najam Baug, the historic Dawoodi Bohra community centre in South Mumbai, between 30th and 31st August.
The exhibition is another iteration of the Department’s annual initiative that invites students to ponder and express their creative sides through art.
The exhibition showcased triptychs, portraits, and landscapes on subjects ranging from Japanese Zen and floral scapes to still life, African safaris, the Aurora Borealis, and even Formula 1.
“It is the culmination of months of hard work and countless hours in front of the canvas. The students truly outdid themselves,” reflected one of the organisers.
Despite heavy rains and traffic restrictions, more than 2,000 people visited the walk-in event over the weekend.
“It took me nearly two hours to make my way down here, but it was worth it. A student mentioned that the organisers encouraged complete creativity on topics — it was entirely up to students to choose what they wanted to express. And they did not disappoint, not just in expression but in the confidence it takes to put one’s work on display for everyone to see,” said a visitor.
Students from grades seven through twelve submitted between 5-8 pieces of artwork, which a jury evaluated for eligibility. By the end of the exhibition, many works had red pins beside them, marking sales. One artist sold all seven of her pieces — a gratifying reward for their efforts.
“This is my second exhibition this year. It gave me the opportunity to meet fellow artists, make new friends and forge lasting bonds that will push us forward in our artistic pursuits,” said Ahmed Hassanali, a student from Nairobi, Kenya.
As the curtains fall on smART Talent Hunt 2025, organisers look forward to the next to raise the bar and continue fostering creative learning and providing young artists with a platform to share their vision with the world.
