Art exhibition and book launch, “ROOTS: Art from the Tribal Heartland of India,” is poised to enchant audiences at the Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, from February 2nd to 14th, 2024. Curated by Dr Alka Pande and Mitchell Crites, this cultural journey into the dreams, aspirations, legends, and wisdom of India’s first humans—the Adivasi is a unique exploration.
Representing the heartland of tribal India, the exhibition features works from four central Indian tribes: Pardhan Gond, Baiga, Mandavi, and Rajwar. The artists’ paintings showcase powerful colouring, intricate patterning, and monumental scale, demonstrating a level of creativity rarely seen in the art world. What sets ROOTS apart is the significant fact that many of these artists, including major and emerging talents, began their artistic journeys only a few years ago, hailing from tribes with no strong visual background.
The book accompanying the exhibition is a collaborative effort of ten authors, each bringing a wealth of expertise. Nada Chaldecott, Mitchell Shelby Crites, Dr. Aurogeeta Das, Rob Dean, Dr. Stephen Huyler, Dr. Thalia Kennedy, Minhazz Majumdar, Ameeta Nanji, Dr. Alka Pande, and Nimish Swami contribute diverse backgrounds in art history, anthropology, ceramics, social work, and more. Their collective scholarship and years of engagement with tribal artists across India provide a rich foundation for understanding the cultural significance of Adivasi art.
ROOTS aims to unveil hidden narratives, presenting a parallel universe that coexists with our own. Themes explored include the deep connection Adivasi people have with their Enchanted Forest, the private world of exorcism and healing techniques, and the development of a new art form—carved and painted papier mache panels by the Baiga tribe’s girls and women. Sundari Bai and her disciples’ hypnotic lipai painting showcase a powerful level of abstraction, while a chapter on ‘Sambhog’ delicately explores mating rituals found in nature.
Tribal artists effortlessly shift from small paintings on paper to large 21.5-foot canvases, showcasing an intimidating lack of scale intimidation. ROOTS explores the profound value of tribal art and culture, offering a unique perspective on healthy ways to coexist with our planet.vHaving dedicated fifty years to folk and tribal art, Dr. Alka Pande, along with the creative team and authors, invested three years in preparing ROOTS. The beautifully bound volume of 204 pages with numerous large illustrations in vivid colour encapsulates ten chapters on different themes and techniques of tribal art, making ROOTS an immersive and enlightening experience for art enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs alike.
Feature Image: Dr Alka Pande | Courtesy: India Today
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