Part of the same tribe

Japani Shyam reinterprets Gond art through muted hues and modern themes, but sticks to its age-old message: The celebration of the human-nature bond

- VIRENPRATAP SINGH BHAIKA

The Gond art form, attributed to the Pardhan Gond tribe from Madhya Pradesh, is rich in myth and symbolism about the spiritual connection of humans with nature. Elephant trunks transform into tree trunks and the proverbial Tree of Life links forests, animals and people. Gond artists create vibrant paintings using lines and dots with natural pigments and colours. It’s a strong visual language marrying a love of nature with culture.

While the tribe has painted the walls of their homes forever, the artist that brought this art form to the contemporary art community was Jangarh Singh Shyam. He established what became known as the Jangarh Kalam, whose fiercest advocate is his daughter, Japani Shyam. However, she has carved her own artistic style within its confines.