On August 30 (Friday) and September 1 (Sunday), 3rd-year students from the IB Course at Ritsumeikan Uji High School held a Visual Arts Exhibition. Each student presented around 10 works, ranging across genres such as painting, digital art, crafts, and sculpture—all created under a personal theme.

In the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), Visual Arts requires not only the creation of artworks as part of assessment, but also the hosting of an exhibition. More than just displaying art, students are expected to communicate:

This process of articulating non-verbal artistic expression through exhibition aligns with the IB’s ATL (Approaches to Learning), particularly in fostering communication and creative thinking skills.

This year’s exhibition showcased a wide variety of themes and techniques. From sculptures of trees growing from feet, to symbolic reliefs on life, to hybrid digital-analog works, the students’ individuality and curiosity were on full display, captivating visitors.

Over the two days, the exhibition welcomed a diverse audience, including IB students, junior and senior high school students, faculty, and parents. The conversations between artists and viewers led to meaningful exchanges that transcended grade levels and course boundaries.

Students took initiative not only in creating their artworks but also in planning and running the exhibition. They experienced firsthand the essence of IB learning—inquiry, expression, and sharing.