Animator channels folk art from around the globe in his latest exhibit in Mumbai

Concord acrylic on canvas by Dhimant Vyas

It has been a long journey for 57-year-old artist and animator, Dhimant Vyas. From the hamlets of Kutch to the vastness of the Indian film industry, Vyas has travelled a different path to arrive at the hallowed halls of Jehangir Art Gallery. The artist's exhibit, Natura, which opens today and will be on show till January 1, 2023, captures the slow evolution of his art and its strong influences of folk tradition from around the world.

"I have always been drawn to folk art," Vyas tells us. It was a part of his upbringing in Kutch. "You wander around and see the paintings on pots, earthenware, their costumes and tattoos. All of this left a deep impression on me," he reveals.

Two sisters, acrylic on canvas

His exhibition carries the imprint of these influences - both domestic and international. Some of the works weave in a touch of Incan and South American influences, along with very traditional Indian motifs. Natura, he says, refers to his expression of love for nature - people, communities and lives. The artist describes his work as a product of folk art, a universal term for raw and simple expression. "It does not matter whether it is Indian or from overseas. Folk art remains rooted to authentic expression. It can be recreated by anyone and is open to everyone," he says.

The show is an attempt to fuse these traditions with his imagination. These influences can be seen in the flow, themes and stories. It is not just Vyas' work that will be on display. His daughter, 26-year old Kavya Vyas, will also be holding her first joint exhibition at the venue alongside her father. "Her work focuses on self-realisation, the journey of life and emotions through the motif of fishes," he explains.

A moment from the title credits of Taare Zameen Par, animated by Vyas. Pic Courtesy/Dhimantvyas.com

Yet, there is another influence that leaves a mark on his work, and one that Vyas is known for. His stint at the National Institute of Design (NID) led him down the path of animation. It led to the artist working on the animated title credits for Aamir Khan-led Taare Zameen Par (2007), the cartoon, Shaun The Sheep, among other projects. "Where realism ends, animation begins. It inspired me to give movement to art," he remarks, pointing to the sway in his figures. "It was a rare occasion when stop-motion was used in a Hindi film," he says, adding that it remains a difficult form to execute. "People underestimate how challenging stop-motion animation is. You spend an entire day shooting, and still end up getting only three to four scenes done," the artist explains.

Dhimant Vyas

But even animation requires a clear understanding of authentic expression, he notes. Citing the example of Japanese animation and Studio Ghibli, he says, "They had a very clear vision of using their own distinct art aesthetic to create animated stories. This has made them popular globally. Indian animators have not yet found that inspiration from folk and oral tradition to create a new idiom in animation and art." Perhaps, that is where his role as a veteran lies. Whether in the art he creates for the canvas, or the screen.

Till: January 1; 2023
At: Jehangir Art Gallery, 161B, MG Road, Kala Ghoda. log on to jehangirartgallery.com