Worldbuilding in visual art is akin to stepping into a portal that transports us not just to another place and time but an entirely different reality. It's a realm where different rules apply, creating a realm of possibility that in its essence is the most immersive form of storytelling, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. This fantastical journey is precisely what concept artist & illustrator Chahat Bavanya embarks upon in his creative endeavors, crafting worlds & building narratives that transcend mere visual appeal.
Chahat often draws inspiration from various sources, including real-world experiences, other artists, and different fields such as film, literature, and even science. Narrative elements play a significant role in his work. He likes to create art that not only looks visually appealing but also tells a story that he wants to convey. As for influences, the artist incorporate elements from different subjects. For his sci-fi-surreal aesthetic, he usually looks for something that matches his vision & where his character can live.
Central to Chahat's repertoire is the infusion of Solarpunk aesthetics, a genre known for its optimistic outlook. At its core, Solarpunk is a vision of a future that embodies the best of what humanity can achieve: a post-scarcity, post-hierarchy, post-capitalistic world where humanity sees itself as part of nature and clean energy replaces fossil fuels. The 'punk' in Solarpunk is about rebellion, counterculture, post-capitalism, decolonialism and enthusiasm. However, Chahat's interpretation delves deeper, drawing inspiration from HP Lovecraft's cosmic horror to create a blend of themes that explore insignificance and helplessness amidst, and contrasting the fantastical landscapes.
"Many of my protagonists are solitary figures which emphasizes isolation along with elements of science fiction & fantasy in my stories. That's how I infuse sci-fi fantasy aesthetic into my style."Chahat Bavanya
In recent works, Chahat's art takes a nostalgic turn, depicting Indian streets and cultural nuances that evoke a comforting familiarity. These illustrations serve as windows into a world he's actively crafting, one that extends beyond the canvas into the interactive realm of video games. Collaborating with a team, Chahat is bringing his vision to life, where players can immerse themselves in the serene yet sometimes dark landscapes he envisions, blurring the boundaries between observer and participant.
As he looks toward the future, Chahat envisions his craft evolving into tangible experiences, manifesting his imaginative worlds in mediums like video games. The excitement for his upcoming project, a video game rooted in his team's collaborative world-building efforts, is palpable. Through this endeavor, Chahat's art transcends static imagery, inviting audiences to step into the very realms he paints with his imagination, engaging with narratives that unfold dynamically.
Follow Chahat here.
If you enjoyed reading this, here's more from Homegrown:
The Architecture Story’s Spatial Design Philosophy Is Rooted In Immersive Storytelling
love.hair's Latest Editorial Celebrates Connection, Community, & Self Expression
How Amorphous Design Lab Is Redefining The Norms Of Indian Multidisciplinary Creativity