Gond Art Paintings: Tribal Folk Art of Indian Culture

Image: A Gond art depicting signature patterns of the bodies of two fish

India is a land adorned with the cultural tapestry of attires, languages, cuisines and art forms. One such enthralling art from is Gond Art Paintings. Gond Art Paintings are a beautiful and integral part of tribal folk art from India. The painting form—originating from the Gond tribe based in central India—developed from an age-old practice wherein the Gond tribes’ people used to decorate walls and floors of houses and seems to have grown into an international art form.

Let this blog enrich you with various different aspects related to Gond Art Paintings depicting their vibrant colours and intricate patterns.

Origin and History of Gond Art Paintings

The Gond tribe is one of the largest tribal communities in India, mainly dwelling in Madhya Pradesh, followed by Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. The term "Gond" is derived from the Dravidian expression "Kond," which literally means Green Mountain as the closest relationship they have is with nature.

Image: Gond artwork illustrating the harmony between humans, animals, and nature with bold patterns and earthy tones.

Traditionally, Gond Art was meant to be a way of decorating homes  and celebrating festivals. The people of the Gond tribe believed that good images bring good luck, hence decorating their houses with intricate patterns and fast-moving images of animals, trees, and deities. These paintings were normally made using natural colours coming from charcoal, plant sap, cow dung, and crushed stones.

It was in the 1980s that this new form of Gond Art was coming to the surface and noted in art galleries, first by Jangarh Singh Shyam. The translation of the Gond Art form from its local talent into urban contemporary art, now known globally, was done foremost by Jangarh Singh Shyam.

Unique Characteristics of Gond Art Paintings

Image: A Gond painting featuring tree branches adorned with colorful bird eyes and beaks, emerging from behind a patterned hut.

There is a specific style to the visuals in Gond Art, promoted by:

1. Intricate Patterns:  Minute patterns and lines charge the paintings, imparting a feel for motion and rhythm in the works.

2. Vibrant Colours:  The colours, traditionally natural dyes, are bright and vibrant, usually done with acrylic paints by present-day Gond artists..

3. Nature and Mythology:  Gond paintings represent animal and tree forms and mythological stories. Every form has symbolic meaning within the intimate relationship of the Gonds with their environment.

4. Dot and Line Technique:  One of the unique characteristics of the Gond Art is the complete imagery with dots and lines. This lends texture and fibre to paintings.

5. Narrative Style:  The Gond Art speaks of some story or the other, be it folklore, myth or scenes from day-to-day life. It is this narrative element that makes every painting act as a window to the Gond culture.

Process of Creating Gond Art

Making a Gond painting requires great skill and patience. Several stages are involved in the process such as:

Sketching:  The artist begins by sketching the outline of the image on a canvas or paper.

Detailing:  The next step is to fill the sketch with intricate patterns and details using dots, lines, and curves. This step is crucial as it brings the painting to life.

Colouring:  Finally, the artist adds colours, carefully selecting hues that enhance the patterns and the overall composition.

Famous Gond Artists

There are quite a number of artists who have left their mark on Gond Art. The most outstanding among them are:

Jangarh Singh Shyam:  He has been attributed the tag of innovator of Contemporary Gond Art, whose works have been dispatched throughout the world.

Durga Bai Vyam:  A very famous artist whose construction is minute and detailed and depicts the tales of bygone times.

Bhajju Shyam:  Famous for the book ‘The London Jungle Book’, wherein he has reinvented London in Gond Art.

Image: Gond art showcases a majestic tree intertwined with vibrant birds, symbolizing the harmony between nature and wildlife.

Gond Art Paintings are more than just beautiful artworks, for they reflect the vibrant expression of culture, belief, and bonding with nature of the Gond tribe. Appreciating Gond Art is not simply admiring this unique art form; rather, at the same time, it contributes towards preserving the rich cultural heritage of one of the oldest tribal communities of India. No matter through exhibitions or purchases, with awareness, Gond Art traditions are kept alive for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the materials used in a Gond Art Painting?

A: Gond Art Paintings traditionally employed rural material like charcoal, plant sap, cow dung, and crushed stones have been used for colour tones. Artists generally use acrylic paints on canvas or paper nowadays to create vivid and long-lasting colours.

Q: How do Gond artists decide on their subjects?

A:Gond artists pick their inspiration from nature, mythology, and everyday life. Animals, trees, and folklore make for common subject matter, laden with symbolism that returns the Gonds' affiliation with the environment.

Q: What is the significance of patterns in Gond Art?

A:The patterns in Gond Art are not just decorative but have a symbolic nature. They create fluent motion and rhythm and give texture and thickness to paintings. Each pattern may have specific cultural or spiritual significance.

Q: Can I buy Gond Art Paintings online?

A:Yes, there are so many online websites and galleries which sell Gond Art Paintings. Purchasing from the artists themselves or through genuine sources generates business for them as a tribe and also supports the originality of the artwork.

Q: How has Gond Art changed from the earlier day?

A:From a folk tradition of embellishing and beautifying houses, Gond Art has grown into contemporary art, widely recognized across the globe. Keeping originality in spirit and medium for telling stories, artists have innovated using modern materials and techniques.

Q: Do exhibitions/festivals showcase Gond Art?

A:Yes, various exhibitions and art festivals within and outside India showcase Gond Art. Various exhibitions and art festivals within and outside the borders of India propagate Gond Art. Equally, events such as these bring substantial exposure to the Gond artists by offering them a platform and sharing their rich cultural heritage with more audiences.