Rising Stars: Meet Bala Govind Kumar Ganesan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bala Govind Kumar Ganesan.

Hi Bala Govind Kumar, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hello, my name is Bala Govind Kumar, and I go by the moniker “Artist Beba.” I’m a self-taught artist, architect, production designer, and visual storyteller from Tamil Nadu. I grew up in Tirunelveli, a rural district in southern Tamil Nadu. When people ask me what my ultimate goal is, I tell them I want to be a “Never-ending Man” like Hayao Miyazaki. I’ve always wanted to do art, be a part of any art field, and use art to inspire people and children.

In a similar vein, I had no idea as a young boy that such a big dream and responsibility would fall on those small, little hands. But those little hands, initiated to get familiar on the history of art and artists at a young age and discovered that none of the art forms from India or Tamil Nadu were particularly well-known on the international scene. I have always believed that art and creativity have a greater ability to change society than politics. So, rather than my passion for art, I have always believed that film is a collective synthesis of art forms with the power to change society. As a result, I made the decision to pursue a career in filmmaking, which led me to pursue for a Master’s program in Production Design at the American Film Institute.

Despite my decision to become a production designer, I do not want to limit myself to filmmaking or art direction. I want to use a variety of media to tell the stories of my language, literature, and people, such as comics, animation, children’s storybooks, art installations, and so on. I have always believed that the world is one family, that art can help us unite and bring equity among humans, and that this is a golden era for artists as they can reach global audiences through social media. The ultimate objective of my career is to make the most of this chance and discover a voice to express art, as stated above, in the global arena.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Growing up in the densely populated country of India presented its initial challenges, particularly in a rural setting marked by a societal structure steeped in caste and religion. The struggle to rise above these circumstances became apparent early on, and my father, recognizing education as the key to equity, consistently encouraged me to pursue knowledge, firmly believing in its transformative power.

Following in my father’s footsteps, I immersed myself in education, convinced that it held the potential to overcome the societal challenges ingrained in the fabric of rural India. My brother, an Animation filmmaker, played a pivotal role in shaping my artistic perspective, introducing me to the world of art and international artists during my formative years. This revelation became a turning point in my career, emphasizing the importance of not just acquiring knowledge but also finding my own voice.

The prevailing dominance of the northern part over the southern part, a phenomenon observed globally, posed an additional hurdle. As an individual from the southern part of India, proving the worth of our distinctive art forms and lifestyle became a formidable task. Disputing the common misconception that India is solely defined by Bollywood, I advocate for recognition of the diverse film industries, cultures, and art forms existing across the country, including Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, and Kannada.

Driven by this vision, I made the conscious decision to elevate these art forms globally. Despite completing my degree in Architecture, breaking into the film industry in India proved to be a significant struggle. Fortunately, the support of South Indian Actor Aran facilitated my entry into the film industry, where I recognized the potential of film as a powerful medium for initiating conversations about social justice and art forms.

This realization spurred my journey onto the international stage. However, the path was riddled with challenges, particularly financial constraints hindering my pursuit of a Master’s program at the American Film Institute (AFI). Rejections from banks due to lower collateral value and a lack of awareness about AFI’s film-making master program in India tested my resolve. Turning to friends and family for assistance, their collective support, even in small contributions from daily wages, and my father’s dedication to his lifetime savings became the cornerstone of my career struggle.

As a form of gratitude, the only payback I can offer is to take the rich tapestry of our roots and stories to a global stage, ensuring their recognition and appreciation worldwide.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
The essence of a filmmaker and artist transcends mortality; even after we depart this earth, our works of art endure, sparking conversations across generations. Recognizing the profound impact of my work, I consistently prioritize and value each project. A commitment to learning and pioneering defines my approach to every craft, fueled by the understanding that true mastery requires 10,000 hours of intensive practice.

As a self-taught artist with over 20 years of practice, I excel in Traditional art, Digital art, Concept art, Comics, Illustration, and Animation. Supported by a background in architecture spanning over a decade, I have cultivated a deep understanding of the diverse cultures and histories of communities worldwide. In addition to my artistic capabilities, I have developed expertise in Set designing, showcasing a mastery of understanding space and materials within that context. What distinguishes me is not merely proficiency but the empathetic approach and rooted understanding I bring to every endeavor. In a world where many overlook the importance of roots and history, my mantra is “Culturally Rooted. Creatively Global.”

Additionally, my knowledge of art history empowers me to explore a wide spectrum of styles and craft my own unique artistic expression. The synergy of architectural insights and a profound understanding of art led me to the realm of filmmaking, where I found my calling as a production designer. Now, it’s an opportune moment for the global audience to encounter a representative of Tamil culture, one of the oldest civilizations, bringing a fresh perspective and transformative experience embarked on a project titled “14 DAYS OF ISOLATION.” This series serves as a visual documentation of my isolation period, capturing the nuances of the unique experience.

Another significant series I created is titled “MISPLACE GOAT.” This body of work delves into the theme of displacement experienced by immigrants, drawing parallels to a goat being misplaced from its identity and culture. It explores the journey of immigrants as they strive to reconnect with their roots amidst the challenges of assimilation.

Currently, I am immersed in the creation of an animation film where I contribute as an animator. The film explores the narrative of an immigrant man, depicting his journey and challenges as he crosses borders to reach the United States. This project delves into the complex and often poignant experiences of individuals seeking a new life in a foreign land.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I would like to make a film to tell children “it’s good to be alive” – Hayao Miyazaki. Providing hope through artistic work is a significant quality that often contributes to success. As an artist, possessing empathy to comprehend the experiences of fellow humans is crucial. I believe that maturity is synonymous with understanding others, making it a key quality for achieving success.

In addition to empathy and maturity, diligence and hard work play pivotal roles in my approach to every project. I approach each endeavor with enthusiasm, finding excitement in every creative challenge. These qualities, combined with a dedication to spreading positivity and hope through my work, are the cornerstones of my creative journey and aspirations for success.

Contact Info:

• Website: balagovindkumar.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artist_be_ba_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/balagovind.kumar.5?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bala-govind-kumar-9b69a6216