Obituary: Manoj Vyas (1956-2023)

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New York based artist Manoj Vyas passed away in the early morning hours of October 20, 2023. His most recent exhibition was held at the New York Art Expo 2023, in March/April at the Pier 36 in Manhattan.

Vyas was a familiar figure and supporter of the Indian American community and present in many community events. He was also part of the Indian American news media, including India Abroad in the 1980s and till now as part of Parikh Worldwide Media.

The Gujarat-born artist, lived in Mumbai before coming to the United States. He knew his vocation was to be an artist since a little child. From the age of 6, Vyas was absorbed in experimenting with different media to create unique and evocative art.

Art had been his life force to which he devoted many long hours in the midst of his job and other responsibilities, said friends and acquaintances who knew him well. He was always ready to help, they said, and generous to a fault, presenting many of his original paintings for free to people he wanted to.

An alumni of Mumbai’s famous J.J. School of Arts, Vyas used his skills as a commercial artist in newspaper art rooms, first in Mumbai at the Janmabhoomi Publications, and then in New York.

During his lifetime, he traveled to art centers and art exhibits in London, Rome, Barcelona, and other cities in Europe to see first-hand, the works of artists who have inspired him.

Experimenting with different media including oil, watercolor, wood, jewelry, and more, he has created 3-D art on special assignments. One of Vyas’s paintings ‘Bajirao Mastani’, drew much attention and was made before the film of the same name. It is a study in intricate details and took him 8 years (1997-2005) to complete, a sign of his dedication to perfection.

Vyas was known for his portraits of famous personalities including Lata Mangeshkar, and current political leaders and diplomats.

He is survived by his wife Harita, sister Geeta Patel, and brother Prakash Vyas.

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Thursday OCT 26
9:30AM- 12:30PM

Papavero Funeral Home
72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth, NY 11378

Cremation: 1pm. Due to limited space cremation is limited to immediate family only.