INDIA is a country of diversity rich in art and culture. The amalgamation of a variety of cultures and traditions makes INDIA unique in its own way. Paintings, magnificent sculptures, literature, architecture, dance, music, theatres are all great examples of art from ancient times.      

Gond painting is one of the most ancient styles of Indian paintings practiced by one of the largest tribal communities named GOND in the state of Madhya Pradesh mainly in Patangarh village in Dindori district. This indigenous form of traditional art has incredibly impacted in the global markets at present in various forms. While being the predominant art form of Madhya Pradesh, Gond art can also be traced in states like Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. The word ‘GOND’ has been derived from the DRAVIDIAN EXPRESSION ‘KOND’ meaning ‘GREEN MOUNTAINS’.


HISTORY AND ORIGIN OF GOND PAINTING:

It is assumed that the history of GOND people evolved nearly 1400 years back. This fascinating skill of painting was like a gift to the GOND PARDHAN among whom it was prominent. BASIC ELEMENTS OF NATURE like trees, animals, birds, and GODS were the main inspirations behind their themes. In GOND painting the artists used to express their respect for nature. So, NATURE played a pivotal role in their genre. After lying on the seabed for decades, this hidden gem was first brought into the limelight after an enormous effort being put together by several GOND artists.

DESIGNS AND PATTERNS:

This exquisite form of art mainly illustrates a basic pattern in their paintings like:

  • Geometrical shapes
  • Diagonal lines
  • Fish scales
  • Seed shapes
  • Drops of water
  • Curves

Various types of intricate DOTS and DASHES are also implemented to increase the details of the painting. The motifs also vary from local FLORA AND FAUNA, DEITIES, FOLKTALES, URBAN CULTURE to ANIMALS, modern designs like AEROPLANES, BICYCLES, CARS, and TECHNOLOGY are other various patterns used nowadays to flourish extensively. 

RAW MATERIALS:

In the past an unusual technique was followed to elucidate the pictorial work. COTTON BUDS, HANDMADE FABRIC BUDS made by small stick were used for painting. They were usually made from BABUL or NEEM tree branches. Nowadays various types of paint brushes have replaced these items. Natural elements like HERBS, VEGETABLES, CHARCOAL, SOIL, and even COW DUNG are collected for making different individual raw colors.

RENOWNED GOND ARTISTS:

Though the GOND art had evolved centuries back, it was confined within a certain region until JANGARH SINGH SHYAM, a GOND artist as well as a farmer revealed it to the world in 1980. He was the creator of ‘JANGARH KALAM’ a school of INDIAN ART. His immense talent got him acclamation in the international platform. He was the one to use ACRYLIC COLORS in his paintings and showcased his talent on ART PAPERS and CANVASES.

In 1986, he was conferred with the ‘SHIKHAR SAMMAN’ (the summit award), the highest civilian award from the GOVERNMENT of MADHYA PRADESH. He also painted the interiors of VIDHAN BHAWAN, the legislative assembly of MADHYA PRADESH and also painted the DOME of the prestigious museum, BHARAT BHAVAN BHOPAL.  The other GOND artists who deserve special mention are Mayank Shyam, Japani Shyam, Subhas Vyam, Durgabai Vyam, Bhajju Shyam. In 2006 Mayank Shyam was conferred with the state award by the HASTA SHILPA EVAM HATHKARGHA VIKAS NIGAM, BHOPAL. Japani Shyam won the KAMALA DEVI AWARD at the age of eleven. Subhas Vyam received the RAJYA HASTHA SHILPA PURASKAR in 2002 by the GOVERNMENT OF MADHYA PRADESH. Durgabai Vyam won ITALIAN BOLOGNA RAGAZZI (children’s book award) in 2008. She also co-authored the book ‘THE NIGHT LIFE OF TREES’ along with Bhajju Shyam and Ram Singh Urveti. Bhajju Shyam has been conferred with the PADMASHRI AWARD, the fourth highest civilian honor in INDIA in 2018. Another name needs a special mention who is Venkat Raman Singh Shyam, one of the greatest GOND artists. This modern artist has incorporated Gond art in mixed media and animation. He has added colors by painting on large walls, ceilings, and etchings. He received the RAJYA HASTHA SHILPA PURASKAR award in 2002 by the GOVERNMENT OF MADHYA PRADESH. Venkat was also associated with an animated film based on GOND FOLKTALE directed by Tara Douglas which achieved the Tallest Story Competition award in 2007 at the Inverness Film Festival, Scotland.

MODERNISATION AND GLOBAL IMPACT:

At present GOND art has gained immense popularity and created a place in the modern world. Keeping the inherent style and themes intact modern elements have been incorporated in the paintings. These days the focus of painting has shifted to PAPERS, CANVASES, CLOTHES, and MERCHANDISE. The artists are using contemporary mediums and materials for innovative variations. The painters often depict the modern lifestyle and also strengthen the idea of ‘LIVING IN HARMONY’ with nature.

Various renowned fashion designers are promoting GOND art through their exclusive works. This art is seen on APPARELS and ACCESSORIES making them more fashionable. Vibrant colors are used on rich fabrics. GOND art can be seen in common consumer products like CUSHION COVERS, BAGS, WOODEN TRAYS, WOODEN FURNITURE, and so on. This exquisite form of art has been recognized globally. Now more attention has been given to preserve this traditional art form which is a heritage of our country. The Government has taken initiatives to conserve the art of GOND TRIBE. They are also empowering the artisans economically. This has resulted in more popularity of GOND art at present. Now we feel proud when we observe our arts in various international exhibitions.


CURRENT SCENARIO:

Gond paintings hosted in various art exhibitions lately have caught many eyes. There are several online platforms exhibiting and selling this majestic artwork and https://www.artsofindia.in/ is one such platform that promotes Gond artworks. ARTS OF INDIA website host a wide range of Gond Art collections made by tribal artists and it also conducts online workshops led by renowned artists.       

It is the extreme hard work and determination of the Gond artists, that has now made this art form immensely popular not only in India but also among art lovers situated across the globe. Online platforms like ARTS OF INDIA have complemented this very well by hosting Gond paintings, wall decors and thus making this available to you while staying at your home comfort.




Picture Source: ARTS of INDIA