Charuvi Agrawal

Charuvi Agrawal
Designer, Filmmaker, Visual Artist
Born	New Delhi, India
Nationality	Indian
Alma mater	Sheridan College College of Art
Awards	Limca Book of Records
Website	www.charuvi.com

Charuvi Agrawal (born 20 June 1983) is an Indian painter, sculptor, animator, filmmaker, and installation artist known for integrating traditional Indian mythology with advanced multimedia technologies in her art. She has gained international recognition for her animated films & large-scale installations.

Early life and Education

Charuvi Agrawal was born in New Delhi, India. She exhibited a profound interest in art from a young age, leading her to pursue formal education in the field. She graduated as a gold medalist in Fine Arts from the College of Art, University of Delhi in 2005, and later earned a master's degree in Computer Animation from the Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning in Canada.

Career

Art Installations and Public Exhibits

Charuvi Agrawal is an artist known for her diverse works, including large-scale physical artworks, animated short films, TV shows, and immersive experiences (VR/AR). Her work explores various aspects of interactive technology, design, and art, often incorporating elements of Indian mythology to create immersive storytelling experiences. Notable works include:

• Shri Hanuman Suspended Sculpture": This majestic 25-foot sculpture, composed of 26,000 bells, captures the profound essence and magnificence of Hanuman. As a traveling art installation, it has been displayed at prestigious locations such as the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Select CITYWALK, Red Fort, as well as in cities including Mumbai, Pune, and Indore.

• "Shakti: Fair & Fierce": Standing at 10 feet tall, this sculptural installation is crafted from over 150,000 hand-blown glass beads. Exploring themes of feminine power and spiritual transformation, it has been exhibited at the National Gallery of Modern Art, offering a neutral platform for reflection on empowerment and resilience.

Animation and Film

Charuvi’s venture into filmmaking and animation is marked by her acclaimed work:

• "Shri Hanuman Chalisa" (2013): This 3D animated film received international accolades and was nominated for several awards. It symbolically explores the spiritual themes of the ancient hymn.
• "The Legend of Hanuman": This animated series, produced by Graphic India and created in collaboration with Charuvi Agrawal among others, delves into the life of Lord Hanuman. Released exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar, all 26 episodes are available in seven languages—Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Bengali, Malayalam, and Kannada. In 2021, Graphic India announced that "The Legend of Hanuman" was the second most-watched show that year across all Indian streaming platforms, according to APN News. The series continued its success with Season 3 becoming the most-watched show on Disney+ Hotstar in India.

Charuvi Design Labs

In 2009, Charuvi founded Charuvi Design Labs (CDL) in Gurugram, focusing on producing high-quality animation content and innovative artwork. CDL has since become a hub for pioneering work in 2D and 3D animation, visual effects, and interactive installations.

Contributions and Recognitions

Charuvi’s contributions to art and technology have been acknowledged widely:

• She has been honored twice in the Limca Book of World Records.
• Recognized as one of the "emerging 10 who would transform the global artistic landscape" at the "Incredible India @60" festival in New York by Coca-Cola.
• Her discussions at prestigious platforms such as TEDx @IIT Kharagpur, the University of Edinburgh, India Design Forum, and SIGGRAPH underscore her role as a thought leader in the convergence of art and technology.

Claytronics:

Coined by Charuvi Agrawal, "Claytronics" is a technique that merges clay sculpting with storytelling to create miniature 3D sculptures that often feature humorous and topical narratives. Inspired by her childhood interest in clay sculpture, Charuvi's works in this medium include depictions of notable figures such as former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and scientist APJ Abdul Kalam, portrayed in whimsical settings. This approach blends elements of cartooning with sculpture, providing a novel perspective on contemporary themes through art.

Shri Hanuman Chalisa:

Directed by Charuvi Agrawal in 2013, "Shri Hanuman Chalisa" is a 3D animated short film that explores themes of faith and spirituality. Featuring a rendition by Shaan, the film visually interprets the ancient religious hymn, which is widely sung and revered. Nominated for several awards, the film has been recognized for its artistic portrayal of Hindu mythology and the figure of Shri Hanuman, offering viewers an opportunity to reflect on devotion and self-realization.

Shri Hanuman Suspended Sculpture:

Charuvi Agrawal has also ventured into physical artworks, such as the "Shri Hanuman Suspended Sculpture." This 25-foot artwork, made from 26,000 bells, merges artistic expression with technological innovation to capture the spiritual essence of the deity Hanuman. The sculpture symbolizes devotion and spiritual resonance, serving as a reminder of the enduring influence and significance of Hanuman’s legacy. This has now traveled to Phoenix Citadel Mall, Indore.

Thali Bajao Praxinoscope – The People's Revolution:

At the Jayprakash Narayan Museum in Lucknow, Charuvi Agrawal's "Thali Bajao Praxinoscope" presents a unique storytelling experience through art. Using diverse materials, the seven-foot-tall revolving sculpture encapsulates a significant historical moment, inviting viewers to ponder its contemporary relevance. Crafted over 11 weeks in a makeshift workshop, the installation combines clay, fiberglass, metal, plaster, and acrylic. Enhanced with calibrated strobe lights and set on a rotating platform, it offers a captivating glimpse into its essence, akin to a large-scale zoetrope—truly one-of-a-kind in India.

The Legend of Hanuman - Animated Web Series:

"The Legend of Hanuman" is an animated series produced by Graphic India, with creative inputs from Sharad Devarajan, Charuvi Agrawal, and Jeevan J. Kang. This series, which brings together artists from Graphic India, Charuvi Design Labs (CDL), and Redefine, depicts the journey of Lord Hanuman as he evolves from a mighty warrior to a god. Released globally on Disney+ Hotstar on January 29, 2021, in seven Indian languages, it narrates Hanuman's trials and triumphs, highlighting themes of hope and resilience. The series, available in multiple languages exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar VIP, has released Seasons 1,2 & 3.

Shakti: Fair & Fierce:

"Shakti: Fair & Fierce," featured at 'Lumena', is a multimedia sculptural installation by Charuvi Agrawal that celebrates the divine feminine. The 10-foot tall piece, composed of over 150,000 hand-blown glass beads, represents themes of purity, balance, and transformation. This work is a tribute to the power and spirituality of the female figure, reflecting Charuvi’s dedication to exploring deep spiritual themes through her artistic work.

Ramayana Chitrakavyam

The "Ramayana Chitrakavyam" exhibition at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in Delhi showcased contemporary artists' interpretations, including works by Jamini Roy and Nandlal Bose, depicting the story of Hanuman. A standout feature was the "Hanuman's Journey: The Kaavad Shrine," a life-sized, hand-painted kaavad installation (8 ft x 16 ft) depicting Hanuman's self-realization journey. The kaavad incorporated interactive elements like folding shutters and shelves, adorned with meticulously replicated items from Hanuman's narrative, such as the Ram Setu and Rama's ring, providing visitors with a tactile and immersive experience of Hanuman's story.

External links

• Official Website
• Charuvi Design Lab's Official Website
• Charuvi Agrawal IMDb