Amity School of Fine Arts, Amity University Noida campus organized the “International Conference on Innovation in Visual Arts” (ICIVA `2026) on the theme “Reimagining Art & Design: Bridging Creativity & Technology”. During the Conference, participants from various institutions such as Assam University, Silchar, Banasthali Vidyapith Rajasthan, College of Art New Delhi, Dayalbagh Educational Institute Agra Delhi University, and others presented their Research papers.
Addressing the participants, eminent artist, Ms. Kavita Nayar, stated, “Art is the foundation of creativity and innovation, as it gives shape to ideas, imagination and human expression, while technology provides the tools to translate these ideas into reality. Technology can never replace the originality, sensitivity and creative vision of an artist; however, artists must remain receptive to emerging technologies and continuously upgrade their skills to enhance their craft. The future does not lie in choosing between technology and human creativity, but in bringing the two together, wherein technology complements artistic imagination and unfolds new possibilities for creative expression.”
Encouraging the students, Mrs. Divya Chauhan, Chairperson, Amity School of Fashion Technology and Amity School of Fine Arts, said, “The right perspective, continuous learning and appropriate guidance play a crucial role in shaping an individual's personal and professional growth. With technological advancements transforming almost every sector, it is imperative for young people aspiring to build careers in fashion and design to remain abreast of emerging trends and embrace new technologies. Such platforms provide students with an excellent opportunity to gain practical exposure, interact with experienced professionals and understand the evolving demands of the industry.”
Prof. Jon Jicha, Professor Emeritus, School of Art and Design, Western Carolina University, U.S.A. (online), highlighted the evolving relationship between art, design and technology, emphasising the importance of integrating traditional artistic principles with contemporary digital tools. He encouraged students to develop a strong foundation in artistic concepts while exploring innovative technologies and techniques that can expand the possibilities of visual communication, design and creative expression.
Mr. Sanjay Gupta, Co-founder, Raj Comics, said, “Animation is a powerful medium of artistic expression and storytelling, with the potential to bring imagination, culture and history alive. Indian mythology is replete with extraordinary characters such as Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, whose stories and larger-than-life personas have inspired generations. Similarly, comic book superheroes are created through imaginative storytelling, distinctive characterisation and compelling visual narratives. India has a rich reservoir of mythology, folklore and cultural narratives that can inspire original and iconic characters.” He encouraged students to explore animation, develop their storytelling abilities and create distinctive characters that can capture the imagination of audiences across generations.
Deliberating upon how folklore and mythology have shaped the art of storytelling, Dr. Atul Sinha, Associate Professor, AKJ Mass Communication Research Centre, shared, “Folklore comprises stories, beliefs and narratives deeply rooted in the traditions, culture and collective experiences of communities. Passed down through generations, these stories serve not only as a source of entertainment and engagement but also preserve cultural identities, values and social wisdom. Folklore and mythology have played a significant role in shaping storytelling traditions across the world and continue to provide a rich source of inspiration for contemporary creative expressions, including animation, cinema, comics and digital media. By reinterpreting these traditional narratives through modern mediums, young creators can make cultural heritage more accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences.”
Welcoming the distinguished guests, Dr. Pradeep Joshi, Group Additional Pro Vice Chancellor, Amity University, asserted, “Amity University remains committed to promoting research, innovation and academic excellence by providing meaningful platforms for the exchange of ideas, knowledge and expertise. Conferences such as these foster interdisciplinary dialogue, strengthen collaborations between academia and industry, and expose students to emerging trends, technologies and professional practices. We believe that meaningful interactions with eminent experts and industry leaders will empower young minds to explore new possibilities and contribute effectively to their respective fields.”
Technical Sessions on “New Methodologies and Emerging Paradigms in Creative Practice”, “Contemporary Art and Design Practices, Critical Perspectives & Emerging Paradigms”, and “Interdisciplinary Approaches to Technology, Art and Design”, were also organized during the conference.
