Songs of the Earth was a selection of Bhil, Gond, and Warli paintings from the Gondwana Art Project, offering a refreshing blend of the modern and contemporary while staying deeply rooted in traditions, folklore, and customs of the tribal communities from central India. These indigenous art practices thrived as expressions of lifestyle, lore, and culture, passed down through generations. The exhibition showcased the intrigue of folk narratives and life forms depicted through intricate designs, patterns, lines, dots, motifs, and colors, maintaining the authenticity of these vibrant art forms.

These rich visual traditions, inherited across generations, embodied the essence of the earth more profoundly than any other form. Capturing the homegrown beliefs and values of traditional communities, tribal and folk-art continued to be the rhythmic heart of India’s cultural heritage. The exhibition highlighted how these visual stories not only formed the foundation of India’s artistic legacy but also contributed diverse perspectives by depicting evolving experiences.

With a seamless blend of simplicity and ingenuity, the indigenous stories of tribal communities were woven into a visual representation that embraced modern styles. The artists from the Gondwana Art Project demonstrated how traditional craft could be uplifted through contemporary compositions, revealing that what existed in the past did not end with it but evolved and thrived in the present, challenging the boundaries between indigenous and modern art.

ARTISTS

Anita Balu Mhase | Anita Shyam | Chandrakali Pusham | Geeta Bhariya | Jyoti Uikey | Rahul Singh Shyam | Rajesh Mor | Ram Bai Tekam | Ramesh Singh Vyam | Santoshi Shyam | Sita Meda | Suresh Dhurve