In image: Pronouns by Thokchom Sony
I started reading when I was around 4.
Initially, I used to read only in Bengali, but soon English got added to the list of languages and there was no turning back. However, my reading was limited to whatever was already in the house, much of which was not literature specifically for children. National Geographic magazines, Reader's Digest, classics: these were my choices. Between my sister and I, we had a couple of colourful illustrated children's books but given her possessiveness, I had no beautiful books of my own. That is until one day my aunt and cousin took me with them to one of their relative's house. The relative had heard, like everyone else in my family, how much I read and how much I enjoyed reading. So she sat me down and told me that I could look at the book that was lying on their coffee table. It had been her son's. Her son was grown up by then and working in a different city. I thought perhaps he had outgrown the book. I lifted the heavy hardcover. Its binding was falling off but the condition of the pages and everything else was perfect. It was a collection of fairy tales from across the world, beautifully and exquisitely illustrated.
Before that day, I had never seen such an amazing book upfront, let alone hold it and get to read it. So, as the grown ups socialized and my cousin did whatever, I sat and read the book. It felt like library hours. I'd have to leave the book soon and I wanted to finish as many stories as possible before that time, all the while touching the pages and taking in the colours of the paintings which were quite different from whatever I'd encountered before then. When it was time to go, the lady informed me to my absolute delight and surprise that I could take the book forever. That, going forward, it was mine. I've received very few gifts in the next two decades that have delivered the thrill of that moment. So I carried the book back home where I finally had a fairy tale book to match my sister's but only, mine was way better because of the coloured illustrations. Illustrations that were, in my eyes, so unique in their style that nothing ever came close.
Last year, while I was scrolling through Instagram looking for painters, I came across Sony Thokchom's paintings. I didn't know then, now I do, why Sony's paintings reminded me of the paintings of my childhood fairy tale. I was immediately drawn to his work and explored them and eventually asked him if he would speak to me about his inspiration, process and what else in his life when he is not painting.
A lot has already been written about his paintings and I don't want to add too much to that but I want to say that there's a magic in the way his paintings evoke emotions. A mixture between the real and the imagined, Sony's paintings carry traces of his cultural heritage alongside his desire for the kind of world he wants to inhabit, a world that is not quite there yet. And of course, in all this the wilderness of nature plays a prominent role appearing in the backdrops, foreground and as supporting and necessary elements in his paintings. The following is an edited version of our short conversation and a few of Sony's beautiful paintings, shared here with his permssion.
Aayati: So, firstly how did you find your way to art as your calling or profession?
Sony: I have always enjoyed drawing. I remember scribbling on the walls of our house as a child. Drawing on leftover two-lined pages from notebooks. I enjoyed my time alone making drawings of people from imagination. As I grew up my drawings got better and I got motivated along the way. But I knew nothing about art then. It has been a long journey of finding my authentic self and self-expression. I didn't even know I could choose art as my career. I was taught art could only be a hobby and not a serious profession. After graduating higher secondary school, I found out from a few friends that we could do graduation in fine art and become a professional. But it was a challenge to insist my parents let me pursue art. My mark sheets came and my percentage was not eligible for engineering or even architecture. My parents were not happy about it but it was a blessing in disguise for me, a turning point in my life.
I joined Jamia Millia Islamia Fine Arts faculty and did my graduation in applied art. Why applied art? Because I had been told that I could get a job after university. I had to prove to my parents that I could get a job and earn a monthly salary.
I started working as a freelance illustrator during my college days. I did a diploma course in animation and VFX as well post graduation. Then I got a job from campus placement and started working for an e-learning company. Making animation and illustrations for clients. I couldn't handle the corporate environment for very long. I was burning out and started losing my passion for art. I left the job after 9 months. It was a big challenge in my life. It was like jumping in a lake and learning to swim. But gradually I restarted my journey and many doors began opening up. The "Growing Wild" series is about going back to my roots and finding myself, unlearning a lot of things. Learning about our indigenous traditions and the language in nature.
In image: Awakening Senses by Sony Thokchom
Aayati: Beautiful turn of events. So, growing up, what was the arts scene like in Imphal, where you are from? You said you found out about the possibility of continuing with art from your friends. Were they practising? Your parents' perspective toward the arts is shared by many across the country. I'm glad circumstances worked in your favour. Otherwise, we would have missed out on some beautiful art.
Sony: I remember the cinema posters and the scenery paintings on board behind the cycle rickshaw. These are the art we used to look out for and the most exciting thing to see. No exhibitions to see, no idea about galleries, no internet. And we used to wait excitedly for the animated cartoon shows on DD Metro on Sundays for an hour. Many a times we used to get so disappointed when the power went out after we had waited so eagerly to watch the cartoon shows. But when we did get to watch, our happiness knew no limit. Sometimes my uncle would take us for painting competitions on Sundays, but those were few and far between.
Drawing and painting were the only times I felt myself in my own imaginary world. Whenever we would get time off, I would immerse myself in the corner of our house drawing but most of the time we were busy doing homework or class work. In our school we luckily had art class once a week, for half an hour. I would wait and would never miss it. Most schools here don't even have art class at all even now.
The joy of getting a blank drawing note book and crayons or sketch pen was just something else.
In 11th and 12th grade we had art and engineering drawing as optional subjects. I get the highest marks in art and the lowest/pass marks in mathematics. After senior secondary examination, most of us were sent to coaching centres for AIEEE, some for medical and few for NDA and law. I overheard two classmates in our school who were planning to go for a career in fine arts. A bulb lit in my head but I was not sure as I knew my parents would not allow me. I thought what if I pursue fine arts and if I don't make a living my parents and relatives will be very disappointed. But my heart said go for your dream no matter what.
The result came out and my percentage of marks were not at all eligible for either engineering or medical. My parents were so disappointed but I was very happy inside. Finally my parents said let's give a try and see. So I took my father and visited our art teacher Anil Salam to ask more about a career in fine arts. He explained about different courses like painting, applied art, sculpture etc. He suggested if I choose applied art I may get jobs post graduation in companies. He even connected to our high school senior who was already pursuing fine arts in New Delhi. That is where my journey began.
I started working as a freelance illustrator from 2nd year onwards, during holidays. Although I would miss home badly I remember staying back in Delhi and working during the vacations.
After graduation in applied arts, I did a diploma course in animation and visual effects from Anwar Jamal Kidwai Mass communication and research centre. I had the best time there, the faculty was really supportive, caring and encouraged me despite me being someone from the corner of India.
In image: Symphony of Nature by Thokchom Sony
Aayati: You said something that quite resonated with me. I've heard others say it too-- that you were losing your passion for the arts working in the corporate sector. Even though the work is the same, as in you were still technically doing the same thing, what was lacking? Where do you think things were not working out?
Sony: I got a job at the end of the course through campus placement. My parents were proud about it finally. I started working in an e-learning corporate company, head office based in Texas, US. I couldn't stand working more than 9 months there. In the beginning it was fine as we were fresh and newly working in a company but gradually I was burning out after churning out like a machine. There was no soul or connection in the work I was producing there. Lots of pressures and reworks. One time I broke down in front of my friend, saying I can't continue like this. I literally had nightmares of completing tasks and solving problems and of the horrific bosses. One after the other I saw people leaving the job. The work system was very unhealthy. I hated waking up in the morning and getting ready for the job. I hated rushing to catch the metro train with the rest of the crowd running to get a seat. I hated when I was broke towards the end of the month and waiting for the salary. Also I never imagined myself to get a raise in position, lead a team and make others work under me. Some people do enjoy that but it was my personal reason that I was not connecting to the work and I was losing my passion and what I had dreamt as a child.
Aayati: How did your collaboration with ArtforChange come about?
Sony: I decided to leave the job no matter what I had to do next. It was a very tough decision but there was no choice. I had to go through a big financial crisis. I made a Facebook page called Thokchom Sony, the Manipuri in 2014 and that was the beginning of my journey of finding myself as an artist.
Our professor, Shaibani Azam was my mentor in MCRC and she was always there for me. She told me before I left the campus, if I ever wanted to come back and teach she would warmly welcome me. I never imagined myself as a teacher because I get anxiety speaking in front of people but she encouraged me and I started teaching gradually. I was teaching pre-production and 2d animation. It was a great experience working with them together, unlike at the company. I learnt a lot myself going back to academics to study and teach.
The founder of Art for Change foundation, Mr Stefan Prakash Eicher, was introduced to me by my godmother, Helga Maier, a German lady. Helga was my guardian in Delhi. She was my neighbour but became a mother figure. We would eat our suppers together and would go for grocery shopping and picnics in between. She has seen my hardest times and was always encouraging me and motivating me to make my own art. I have worked with Art for Change in many artist residencies and even today we have a strong connection through art. The motto of Art for Change foundation is Art can change things! Art can change how you see your world, change how you see others, change how you see yourself. Art brings people together, and shows us who we are and who we are meant to be. Art changes us. And art changes society!
In image: The Golden Hill by Sony Thokchom
Aayati: Yes, the Growing Wild series is gorgeous. Are you working primarily with water colour on paper? Tell me a bit more about how you started on the series. Was going back home a part of it? Or were you in Delhi and longing or reminiscing about where you had come from was the starting point?
Sony: Yes, I use water colour on paper. Earlier when I started, I used digital medium and prints but gradually grew over to water colours. Over time I have experienced that there is something very intimate about water colours and their transparency, something which I find missing when working on digital medium. I love playing with textures and layers that still reflect the base layers and of course the luminance is very refreshing.
While I was in New Delhi, I often felt homesick and I was living mostly in my bubble world and little pockets of friends and network. Outside the bubble, I realised that there were many people who had no idea about Manipur and Northeast India. Depending on the areas, some people would assume I must be from Nepal or China and sometimes Japan. Many times, I felt like an outsider in the city and many people except my friends, were not very open to learning about our food and culture.
This also made me question a lot about myself and my identity. How much do I know about my own roots and culture? This question made me open to learn and unlearn a lot about my roots and the system in which I grew up. Growing up in our school system was a clerical training. We were not made to learn much about our land, our ancestors and indigenous designs or even to think and nurture our talents. The pandemic was tough but at the same time it had opened my vision and entirely changed my route in the right direction. I finally could spend longer time with my family and loved ones. I realised something about the air, sounds, foods etc were healing my body, mind and soul whenever I would go back home. I observed there is this powerful force in nature that spreads and heals very fast on its own. The land offers so many rich resources but at the same time, modernisation has made its way to destruction. The rivers are turning black, old growth trees are being put down and plastic waste pollution has increased rapidly. I believe it is about time to come back home and give back something to the land that has given me so much.
I have left the job in the university also and now I want to focus on my painting series, research and experience the wild in freedom without any time constraints and external pressures. I want to experience my full potential through my personal journey of growing wild. I have finally moved back home and I no longer worry about the bills and monthly rent to pay. Earlier I could never save money as whatever little I earned I used to spend all on the bills and expenses. It was hard to take out time for painting.
The Growing Wild series is very important and personal to me. The green hair color symbolizes the force of life and wisdom in nature that is in abundance. The “Sandrembi” (golden tortoise beetle) symbolizes our childhood curiosity and nostalgic memories. Wild grasses reflect my identity which is sometimes invisible to many but is deeply rooted and holds the ground together.
Now I feel the stars are finally in alignment and people across the country and abroad are appreciating the efforts I’m putting in finding my authentic self and expression. This is just the beginning of the journey and I’m very excited to explore further.
In image: Sandrembi aka Golden Tortoise Beetle, photo by Thokchom Sony
Aayati: I loved reading your detailed and thoughtful responses, and I am sure others will too. Finally, is there any question you wish I had asked or something that you would like to share? It can be opinion, memory, anything which you think you'd want to share with others.
Sony: I still have vivid memories of my formative years in Manipur. There was so much that I wanted to explore and do but couldn't do much because of the constant pressures from school/tuitions and restrictions from home. Going back to childhood dreams and memories is about finding our authentic self, what we were and what we loved as a child.
So much to learn, explore, rediscover and at the same time unlearn many things from past experience.
How much advance we become in terms of development and technology we can never match the wisdom and design of nature. We should never forget we are also nature and going back, reconnecting with nature is the only solution to all the problems in the modern world. We come from the soil and we ultimately will go back to soil and return the energy we borrowed in our lifetime. We need to be mindful and always question everything, what we eat, what we breathe in, what we hear, what we drink, what is our impact on the environment, what are we leaving behind for our future generations?
Let us always observe deep, stay curious, open minded and keep growing wild.
In image: Thokchom Sony at home in Manipur with a basket of Fakchet
Loved the stories. Really inspiring and thought provoking <3
This is insane 💖 I met with Sony sir ,he is pure soul and kind hearted.I learned many things from him and thank you for this beautiful article 😊.