AT A GLANCE
Vijay Paul Punia
Area of Practice:
OVERVIEW
With a diverse background in animation, storytelling, psychology, and education, I undertook a multifaceted journey of exploration and discovery. Graduating in Animation Film Design, NID Ahmedabad in 2010, my professional path has woven through motion graphics and experimental animation, allowing me to work with organisations like 9XM, TERI (The Energy and resource Institute) and DST (Department of Science and Technology), BRITISH COUNCIL, UNESCO AND MGIEP. Inspired by a deep-seated curiosity about learning, I pursued a Master’s in psychology, delving into the nuances of visual memory and cognition. My MA thesis project “spatial and content-related phenomenology of visual autobiographical memories” garnered recognition at the 33rd International Congress of Psychology 2024, Prague. Immersing myself in indigenous story telling practices of north-eastern tribal communities, I’ve engaged with the fluidity of knowledge transmission through oral folk traditions. Continuing on the idea to a final year project space at Srishti, the endeavours to explore folk story telling practices and fostering creativity across disciplines, it evolved into a research titled “Avenues to Bring Back Orality in Folktale Practices Using Contemporary Material Cultures,” which was later selected for presentation at IICAH2024, Jan 2024 in Hawaii. My journey, spanning diverse interests, reflects a relentless pursuit of interdisciplinary exploration and creative innovation. With over 13 years in design education, I remain committed to nurturing creativity and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
EDUCATION
2021- MA in Psychology, Indira Gandhi National Open University, 2010 – Bachelor of Design, Animation Film Design, NID (National Institute of Design) Ahmedabad.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Faculty in Digital Media Arts at Srishti Manipal Institute, Bangalore, 2019- present.
Assistant Professor at UID, Karnavati University, Gandhinagar, 2017-2019.
Co-founder at PUNKHA studio, 2010-2017.
INTEREST AREAS
My research interests encompass the interplay between memory, cognition, and cultural practices. I’m fascinated by the semantic and ever evolving nature of folk storytelling and its impact on knowledge transmission. Additionally, my exploration into visual memory phenomenology delves into the complexities of perception and cognition of visual memories. By investigating memory encoding and retrieval processes involved in autobiographical visual memories I aim to understand its connect with visualization and imagination processes. Through these interdisciplinary approaches, I seek to unravel the mechanisms underlying visual memory formation and fluid storytelling practices. My research endeavours are driven by a desire to understand the intricacies of human cognition and the role of cultural contexts in shaping cognitive processes.
CURRENT PRACTICE AT SRISHTI
As an educator, I have been involved in teaching design basics, narrative theories, character design, visual scripting, interactive narratives, stop motion, experimental, and 2D animation courses. I foster a dynamic learning environment that encourages creativity and critical thinking through courses in design fundamentals, narrative theories, and animation techniques. I facilitate students to explore interdisciplinary approaches, by integrating insights from psychology and cultural studies that overlap into the design education.
TEACHING PORTFOLIO
1. A student animating a 24 frame tiger walk through permanent tattoos. The tattoo serves as a conversation starter, creating opportunities for wearers to share folk stories orally.
2. Costume and masks designed by a student for interactive dissemination of a folk story through performance and oral story telling.
3. Character Design studio work, with multiple characters designed by students in context to the developed story concepts.
4. Acting for animation class introducing students to expressing and exaggerating through body movements.
5. Drawing from life using materials and pigments found in the wild.
CREATIVE PRACTICE & OUTREACH
My creative journey spans animation, storytelling, and cross-disciplinary collaborations, encompassing motion graphics, experimental animation, and interactive designs. As a multidisciplinary learner and practitioner, I am involved in animation filmmaking, motion graphics, space design projects, oral folk storytelling and traditional craftsmanship. I strive to blend traditional storytelling with contemporary mediums. Additionally, my involvement in material crafts and space design reflects a commitment to hands-on creativity and experiential learning. With my interest lying in indigenous folk storytelling practices, I love to explore the nuances of fluid and fixed narratives in oral practices and mainstream media. This also overlaps with the emerging field of interactive storytelling and immersive experiences that resonate with audiences across all cultures and backgrounds. My practice is driven by a passion for storytelling and a belief in the transformative power of art and design. Apart from being a cross-disciplinary educator, I love learning new languages and scripts wherever I go.
