Gond: Tribal Art of the Heart of India
Gond art is a traditional form of painting that originated in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is mainly practiced by the Gond tribe living in that state. However, it can also be found in other states like Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh.
The Gonds are the largest tribal community in India, and their art is highly valued for its cultural heritage. Gond paintings showcase the tribe's lifestyle, their surroundings, and the wildlife in their area. These paintings also depict their beliefs, mythical creatures, and characters from their folklore, all of which are an essential part of their artwork. The Gond tribe believes that having good pictures around them brings good luck and positive energy. Animals play a significant role in their art, as the tribe believes that all beings are spiritual and sacred.
Gond paintings are filled with bright and lively colors like orange, yellow, blue, and red. They are created using carefully drawn lines and dots that bring the paintings to life. The artists use natural colors derived from sources like flowers, stones, and other materials to create these beautiful artworks.
The word “Gond” comes from the Dravidian expression kond, meaning “the green mountain.” The work of Gond artists is rooted in their folk tales and culture, and thus story-telling is a strong element of every painting.
Gond art stems from the belief that a good image brings good fortune. This underlying belief has inspired the Gonds to decorate their homes and floors with traditional tattoos and motifs. Today, Gond art products such as Gond paintings on wood, painted wooden trays, and boxes have become extremely popular globally.
It is a matter of pleasure that Gond art has not escaped the eyes of art connoisseurs of the country. The Government of India is making efforts for the preservation of Gond painting. Other well-wishers went further and created Must Art Gallery – the world's first art gallery dedicated to Gond art. Unlike so many other treasures of Indian culture that have slipped through the cracks of time and are lost forever, the future of Gond art looks as vibrant and colourful as the paintings
Who is the founder of Gond art?
Jyotindra Jain
Jangarh Singh Syam
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