Outside

Lines

The 

“Outside the Lines” is an annual student art and design exhibition conceptualized, curated and mentored by Aishwarya Manivanan and Maisha Studio.  Being the largest student art and design showcase in Tamil Nadu, the purpose is to offer students the chance to present their creations while enabling the public to engage with their fresh perspectives. It challenges the preconceived notion that student work is inherently amateur. The exhibition also serves as an educational experience where students learn critical skills such as curation, event management, and working under time-bound project schedules. 

Over the course of five editions, it has attracted 45,000 visitors and been held at prestigious venues, including Lalit Kala Akademi and Gallery Veda. The exhibition encourages students to push creative boundaries, providing them with a platform to showcase their talent, which significantly impacts their careers by offering exposure and networking opportunities within the art and design community.

PAST EVENTS

  • As part of LOCAL 24, On June 16th, master artists A.V. Ilango and Thejo Menon created a live painting inspired by a folk dance performance. This unique event challenged artistic boundaries and celebrated the fusion of different art forms

  • This event honored the visionary individuals who have shaped and inspired the creative landscape of our state. Organized as part of LOCAL’’24 to celebrate the change-makers, ambassadors, and disruptors who have left an indelible mark on Tamil Nadu's artistic heritage and who continue to inspire the young aspiring artists and designers.

  • As part of LOCAL'24, participants enjoyed an interactive workshop led by Mr. Deepan, exploring the captivating sounds of the parai, a traditional Tamil Nadu percussion instrument. The workshop introduced attendees to the techniques and rhythms of this unique instrument, shedding light on its cultural significance and role in temple ceremonies, folk performances, and rituals.

  • As part of LOCAL 24, for the first time ever Maisha Studio transformed the Lalit Kala Akademi exhibition space into a vibrant canvas for a night of music and art. Under the glow of UV lights, attendees danced and painted to the beats of DJ Gowtham, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere of color and sound. The event was a memorable celebration of creativity and community.

  • A unique musical experience that explored the concept of emptiness at WHITE 2023. Conceptualized and curated by Maisha studio, the event featured the talented musician Prakash Sathiya performing on handmade and aboriginal instruments. The event immersed audiences in a world of serene sounds and profound introspection, inviting them to connect with the silence within.

  • As part of the Tantrotsav Festival, Kalarigram, Auroville, in 2022, Aishwarya Manivannan led an innovative workshop that explored the intersection of visual art and martial arts. Participants had the opportunity to learn the basics of silambam, a traditional Tamil martial art, and then apply their newfound skills to create unique drawings inspired by the movements and energy of the practice. This unique workshop offered a fresh perspective on artistic expression, combining physicality, discipline, and creativity.

  • The Acrylic Painting Workshop 2018 aimed to make art inclusive by making it accessible to everyone, regardless of their artistic background. The event challenged stereotypes about needing formal training to create art, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment where participants could bond through the shared experience of creating.