Janmejay Singh, a spatial storyteller and filmmaker, creates immersive Virtual Reality experiences on sociocultural challenges, environmentalism and indigenous identities. He is a Terra Carta Design Lab finalist, India-UK Achievers finalist for Arts & Culture, and on the youth advisory board of the International Land Coalition. His work has been showcased internationally, including the project 'Roots to the Universe' as a part of the IJAD Dance Company's OOTFestival 2025, Frameless Immersive Residency 2024-25 and London Breeze Film Festival 2024, amongst others.
About the Artwork
Roots to the Universe
Animation - 2024
‘Roots to the Universe’ is a hand-painted immersive Virtual Reality retelling of the story of creation in the indigenous Gond community’s tradition as narrated by the Pradhans, reimagined in context of the contemporary challenges facing the community. ‘Roots’ is an allegorical tale that reflects upon contemporary issues facing the indigenous people, with themes of sustainability, indigenous learnings, displacement and greed, through Gond culture’s rich artistic and musical traditions. The project has been developed with artwork and guidance from the Pradhans Durgabai Vyam and Subhash Vyam, and in artistic collaboration with Dhira Chakraborty. Voiceover by Kanupriya Shankar Pandit.