Jogi Art: Where Nomadic Tales Come to Life

Jogi Art is possibly the only indigenous art form which can be categorised as a contemporary genre given its genesis. Over the last five decades, Ganesh and Teju Jogi and their six children have developed a unique visual vocabulary codified into a recognisable art form practised only by the Jogi family. Once nomadic bards, the Jogi family travelled to sing devotional folk songs. In the 1970s, Indian cultural anthropologist Haku Shah suggested that they draw their songs, thus ushering in the genesis of Jogi art. Hailing from the western Indian state of Rajasthan, the Jogi family’s works illustrate the dualities and contradictions of their lifestyle. Featuring daily life work depicts the cities and villages, tradition and modernity, freedom and oppression and other aspects of their existence. Using a ballpoint pen and paper and employing dots and lines, the works are minimalist in their approach yet exude a depth of narrative that is both telling and aesthetically refreshing. Illustrative in nature, a closer look reflects stories, where the line between the real and imaginary blurs.