A young student from Goa Arav Tewari who is studying at the
prestigious Parsons school of design has won the LG Wonderbox Challenge for his
animation work which will be screened on the LG Dynamic Billboard on Times
Square in New York. The winners were announced on the Drew Barrymore Show show
by Drew Barrymore.
Arav
is a student in the first year at the school. The competition was open to all
design schools in the USA. All design students are encouraged to participate in
the competition. LG launched the billboard in 2001 in Time square. It is called
a dynamic billboard because it bends and gives a 3 D effect. This is a contest
in its second year. Arav applied and then sent his artwork. The topic was “
Life is Good” and all the kids sent their interpretations of the topic. Arav is
self-taught and the other participants are studying it. The artwork was in 3D.
For Arav it was a hobby. His mother Karen who is based in Goa said the artwork
was based on his memories of living in Goa. Climbing trees with his sister,
cycling around the place and surfing the waves. He was asked what it all meant,
he had labelled his work “ Peace lies within”. He said he was at peace with
nature. The other guys who participated in the competition were all in teams
whereas Arav was a solo act. Karen said, “ When we heard he had joined and had
entered the finals, we hoped he would win.” He is very young at 18 and has won
the Cambridge Digital Media and Design Award by topping the course in the
country. The previous year his sister had topped the course. His mother said it
was just wonderful when it happened. She said, “ They have lived a simple life
in Goa. Biking and jumping into water holes. It is just amazing that four
months after leaving Goa he has won this prestigious award called the LG
Wonderbox challenge”.
Entrants
submitted their art for selection, judged based on storytelling, technical
skill and showcasing “Life’s Good,” by a panel of judges deeply rooted within
the art community. The judges include Clinton Jones, YouTuber and 3D/FX artist;
Lo Harris, illustrator and design lead at the Innocence Project; and R. Kikuo
Johnson, an award-winning illustrator.
The
competition stands to empower emerging artists to unleash their creativity
while embracing the transformative potential of art. By encouraging
participants to harness their artistic expression, Wonderbox promotes
positivity and optimism through engaging 3D digital experiences. LG is
steadfast in its commitment to fostering hope, inspiration, and a brighter
future through its program.
Arav
in first place was awarded $25,000, the 2nd Place winner received $10,000, and
the 3rd Place winner took home $5,000. Additionally, each winner also won an
exclusive LG tech bundle, featuring an LG 27” UltraFine Monitor, LG XBOOM
Bluetooth Speaker and LG TONE Free Wireless Earbuds.
One
hopes this win provides motivation to him to go further and carve a name for himself in the world of design
