A well-known tribal art that traces its roots to Madhya Pradesh is Gond art, characterised by its striking depiction of village themes, festivals and scenes inspired by nature.
Nikki Singh, the 25-year-old artist who makes Gond paintings says, "Taking up Gond art is a family tradition which has been going on for years." Done in eye-catching colours, the key patterns of the art are small dots and dashes that finely fill the coloured motifs to impart an intricate appeal.
Giving a demo of the art, Nikki picks up his brush and adroitly works on an unfinished painting while he converses about how womenfolk in his village, Patangarh, follow the tradition using homemade colours and let their talent and creativity find an expression. "We teach them sketching and they can use the skill for home décor," he says.
Done on wall, handmade paper, fabric and canvas, the current breed of Gond artists are using vibrant shades of acrylic colours, applied mostly in a free hand style.
Working on lively themes with vivid hues gives him certain happiness, but he sounds uncertain about letting his children depend on this art for their livelihood. "I would let them learn the art, but it is better for them that they focus on their studies," he says.
The popularity of Gond painting has not been confined to the limits of the tribal region, but has surpassed the geographical boundaries and impressed people in countries like Japan, France and Australia. A name prominently associated with the art is of Jangarh Singh Shyam, who is recognised as the first Gond artist to depict traditional themes on paper and canvas and his works are appreciated all over the country.
Like various other tribal arts, this form of painting too is an extension of religious beliefs of the tribesmen. The widely used themes are gods, animals, birds and trees. The main local festivals that are depicted in these art works are Karwa Chauth, Deepawali, Ahoi Ashtami, Nag Panchmi and Sanjhi.
Nikki Singh, the 25-year-old artist who makes Gond paintings says, "Taking up Gond art is a family tradition which has been going on for years." Done in eye-catching colours, the key patterns of the art are small dots and dashes that finely fill the coloured motifs to impart an intricate appeal.
Giving a demo of the art, Nikki picks up his brush and adroitly works on an unfinished painting while he converses about how womenfolk in his village, Patangarh, follow the tradition using homemade colours and let their talent and creativity find an expression. "We teach them sketching and they can use the skill for home décor," he says.
Done on wall, handmade paper, fabric and canvas, the current breed of Gond artists are using vibrant shades of acrylic colours, applied mostly in a free hand style.
Working on lively themes with vivid hues gives him certain happiness, but he sounds uncertain about letting his children depend on this art for their livelihood. "I would let them learn the art, but it is better for them that they focus on their studies," he says.
The popularity of Gond painting has not been confined to the limits of the tribal region, but has surpassed the geographical boundaries and impressed people in countries like Japan, France and Australia. A name prominently associated with the art is of Jangarh Singh Shyam, who is recognised as the first Gond artist to depict traditional themes on paper and canvas and his works are appreciated all over the country.
Like various other tribal arts, this form of painting too is an extension of religious beliefs of the tribesmen. The widely used themes are gods, animals, birds and trees. The main local festivals that are depicted in these art works are Karwa Chauth, Deepawali, Ahoi Ashtami, Nag Panchmi and Sanjhi.