India, April 25 -- Art blossoms when imagination is set free and the heart is open to experimentation. Such is the spirit of the 59th annual art show by the students of Government College of Art, Chandigarh. What sets this edition apart is the exploration of fresh themes, with students telling their stories in their own distinct ways - at times breaking the expected order and carrying it off with aplomb. The show brings together around 356 artists in the making, showcasing young dreams across varied mediums including painting, sculpture, graphics, installations, and, for the first time, a short and moving film. Principal Alka Jain says, "It is joyful to see young artists taking the lead in choosing what they like and expressing themselves well." Associate professor JP Singh, coordinator of the exhibition, adds, "We made it a point to give them complete freedom to decide what they wanted to do and how they wanted to present it, and one is happy to see their dedication and innovation." The display across mediums is both creative and innovative. One striking installation, titled 'Ghar Kya Hai?' creates a physical space while also inviting participants to express their thoughts in words, with small, cheerful groups even stepping into the structure to claim their space. Among the works, Tibetan Buddhist Thangka paintings by Yangchen Dolker from Ladakh stand out. The 15-minute short film 'Tasveer', directed by Shivam Gulati, a student of master of fine arts (graphics and photography) course, is a moving tale of loss and healing set against the backdrop of the entry to the famed college. Another eye-catcher is the work of bicycle painter Abhijit Biswas. Indeed, a show that lingers in the mind....