The Gond Art : From the Vibrant Walls of the Tribal World

The Gond Art is an indigenous art form of the Gond tribe of Madhya Pradesh creating an amalgamation of cultural heritage, mythology, and nature. The drawings of the intricate detailing, vibrant colours and symbolic motifs forms a medium for storytelling that preserves the tribe’s traditions and beliefs. Women of the Gond community are at the epicentre of the Gond culture as they adorned the walls of their homes and today several artists have displayed this artwork on canvas expressing their dreams and beliefs for the whole world to enjoy.

Origin of Gond Art 

The tribes of the Gond live in the Maikal Hills of the eastern end of the Satpura Mountains in Central India. “The Gonds, or the hill tribes who took refuge in the mountains and fastnesses from the invaders of the country, are the original inhabitants of the country, and, till recently, retained all primeval habits of barbarism. They have now adopted a form Hinduism, but they retain many of their ancient customs abstain from no flesh except that of the ox, cow, and bull.” (Encyclopaedia Britannica, Ninth Ed., Vol. X.)

In the earlier period, the occupation of Pardhan Gond people were to sing invocations to the divine beings in nature using the string instrument called Bana. They were also the storytellers of the villages, who would educate the younger generation about their mythology and culture. The Gond art originated as the wall decoration they used to make in their house as a part of their daily life. They believed that it would be auspicious to look at colourful artwork for a more positive environment, espeically during festivals, weddings and other celebrations.

The turning point for Gond Art came in the late 20th century when it transitioned from walls to paper and canvas, making it accessible to a global audience.

Flourishment of the Gond Art

The flourishing of Gond Art can be credited to visionary artists like Jangarh Singh Shyam, who brought this traditional art form to the global stage. Born in the village of Patangarh in Madhya Pradesh, Jangarh revolutionized Gond Art by introducing acrylic paints and modern tools, which allowed for greater experimentation and precision. He intricately woven the myths, stories of god and ritualistic traditions in his artwork. In the 1980s, his works were exhibited internationally, sparking widespread interest in Gond Art. This marked the beginning of the commercialization of this tribal art, leading to the establishment of workshops and art schools dedicated to nurturing young Gond artists.

Another artist, Durgabai Vyam who received a traditional training at home obtained her mastery creating a unique blend of unbridled lyricism and audacious imagination from the Gond mythology. She is rooted in the folktales of her birthplace. A unique aspect of her paintings are the harmonious mix of colours and patterns. She uses readymade colours instead of indigenous natural colours.

Today, Gond Art is recognized as one of India’s most distinguished tribal art forms, celebrated for its originality and cultural depth.

Details

Gond Art is deeply intertwined with the Gond tribe’s culture, reflecting their traditions, festivals, and folklore. It is not just an art form but a repository of their collective memory, passed down from one generation to the next. The paintings often depict scenes from gondwanaland (the mythical land of the Gonds), stories of gods like Pharsa Pen and Jangarh Singh’s deity Bharwa Dev, and other mythical figures. The art also plays a role in spiritual practices, believed to protect against evil spirits and bring prosperity. Ritualistic motifs are often painted to mark significant life events or agricultural milestones.

Gond Art is characterized by its intricate patterns, vibrant colours, and elaborate detailing. The art employs a unique technique of filling motifs with smaller patterns such as dots, dashes, and fine lines, creating a mesmerizing texture. The paintings use vibrant colours like blue, orange, yellow and red and designed with lines and dots as the method to bring it to life. Traditionally natural colours were obtained from various sources like flowers, stones, charcoal etc. but with time the Gond artists have developed their own devices to work with various contemporary mediums and materials. They would first make dots and calculate the volume of the images. These dots would be connected to bring about an outer shape, which would then be filled with patterns of lines of different shape and sizes to fulfill the volume.

The main source of inspiration for Gond painters is nature. Frequently seen motifs are:

• “Tree of life” woven into the beliefs, legends, and everyday lives of the Gond people, making them more than merely natural features. Some of these trees are very significant and are frequently associated with spirituality, mythology, and practical uses.

The Ganja and Mahua trees are the subject of one such story, which tells a moving tale of love and social rejection. In Gond mythology, a Chamar boy and a Brahmin lady fell in love, but because of their caste differences, they were shunned by their communities. They fled to the wilderness and gave up the world because they couldn’t live apart. It is thought that the Ganja and Mahua trees are the reincarnation of their spirits. It is not recommended to eat Ganja and Mahua together because the Gonds think that these two trees symbolize their eternal love and separation—a pair that cannot be united even in rebirth.

Because it is connected to Bada Dev, the main deity that the Gond community worships, the Sajat tree is revered in Gond rituals. During ceremonies, it acts as a spiritual bridge, representing the protection and presence of God. In a same vein, the Gonds’ health and well-being are influenced by the Pakri tree and its new leaves. The community uses the newly sprouted leaves to make a traditional cuisine called saag, which is thought to have protective properties against diseases and illnesses.

The peepal tree, which is considered the home of the gods (Devtas), is another tree of great spiritual significance. The peepal is regarded as the most sacred tree in Gond culture and is frequently used as the center of rituals and prayers. It is frequently transformed into a place of collective worship by erecting platforms or altars for the gods beneath its wide canopy.

For the Gond people, the tamarind tree is extremely useful even though it is not connected to any deities. A key component of their cuisine, its tart fruit is utilized to produce chutneys and other dishes. In addition to its culinary use, tamarind is a valuable commodity that is sold in marketplaces to support livelihoods.

In Gond culture, trees are more than just resources; they are storytellers, protectors, and sacred entities that bridge the gap between the earthly and the divine. Each tree carries its own tale, blending folklore, faith, and mundane life, reinforcing the community’s harmonious relationship with the natural world.

• Animals and birds are prominent in Gond art, which reflects the people’s strong bond with nature and its cultural symbolism. Every animal portrayed has a distinct meaning. For instance, in tribal legend, tigers are highly revered and frequently represent strength, power, and protection. Deer are commonly used as a metaphor for harmony and serenity in nature because of their elegant motions, which symbolize tenderness and beauty. Peacocks, with their colorful plumage, suggest beauty, elegance, and divine benefits, while elephants are portrayed as emblems of wisdom and royal majesty. These creatures are integrated into stories and ideas that highlight their significance in the Gond worldview, making them more than merely aesthetic components.

• In Gond Art, mythical creatures play an important role as intermediaries between the supernatural and the real world. These characters, which are taken from myth and tradition, frequently represent spiritual or moral precepts. They can show up as guardians, cunning, or divine messengers, giving the artwork a deeper level of mystery and narrative complexity. Despite having their origins in tribal mythology, these magical characters’ inventive forms and tales appeal to a global audience.

• Gond art’s human figures eloquently convey the spirit of tribal life by honoring customs, holidays, and daily activities. A glimpse of the Gond community’s lively culture and tight-knit social structure can be found in scenes of people farming, dancing, hunting, or carrying out rituals. In addition to being accurate portrayals, these images also pay homage to the collective spirit and the joy found in simple, shared experiences.

• Geometric Patterns: To improve the composition and fill in gaps, patterns are expertly employed. The artwork appears lively and textured because of the rhythm and balance created by the dots, lines, and complex shapes. These patterns frequently have symbolic meanings that allude to natural elements, oneness, or life cycles. These abstract patterns are combined with intricate figures by Gond painters to produce creations that are both striking to look at and profoundly significant.

The Gond community’s bond with nature, spirituality, and one another is celebrated via the colorful tapestry created by the representations of animals, birds, mythical creatures, human figures, and geometric patterns. The artwork is a living documentation of the Gond way of life as well as an artistic expression since each component conveys a narrative.

Current Status of Gond Art

Even with its widespread popularity, Gond Art still confronts several obstacles in its home environment. A large number of younger Gond artists are relocating to cities in pursuit of better economic prospects. The number of practitioners has decreased as a result of this exodus, and cultural practices including the writing and performance of folk songs and tales have been lost. As a result, there has been a slow drift away from the origins of the art form and the customs that have kept it alive for many years. Nonetheless, there are continuous initiatives to conserve and revive Gond Art. To help Gond artists, both governmental and non-governmental groups have started a number of initiatives, such as exhibitions, financial grants, and training courses. Digital platforms and art exhibitions have also become vital venues for marketing and selling. Despite its growing popularity, Gond Art still faces issues such as plagiarism, inadequate documentation, and the exploitation of artists by middlemen. Addressing these challenges is essential to preserving the integrity and sustainability of this rich art tradition.

Where Is Gond Art Now?

Gond Art has created a unique area where modernism and tradition coexist. With its roots in Madhya Pradesh’s tribal culture, it has attracted supporters and lovers from all over the world. Its versatility and ageless appeal are demonstrated by its evolution from being painted on mud walls in rural houses to becoming a renowned element of international art exhibitions.

Gond Art has been incorporated into the collections of renowned galleries and museums across the world, including the National Museum of India in New Delhi and the British Museum in London. These shows highlight the art form’s aesthetic worth and narrative depth, demonstrating its capacity to convey engrossing tales through complex imagery.

Gond Art is also becoming more and more popular among scholars and experts. Today, anthropology, history, and the arts all explore its symbolism, methods, and cultural importance. Tribal art has become the focus of classes and workshops offered by universities and art schools, with Gond Art usually taking center stage. Through these initiatives, the tradition is not only documented but also made more widely known.

Gond Art has been revitalized by the digital age, which enables artists to connect with audiences around the world via social media, online stores, and online art shows. With the help of these internet technologies, Gond artists have been able to interact with consumers, work together across cultural boundaries, and experiment with creative narrative techniques.

Some Gond artists have started experimenting with contemporary subjects and materials, while others are still committed to traditional themes and techniques. This two-pronged strategy keeps Gond Art vibrant and current in today’s art world. For example, Bhajju Shyam’s The London Jungle Book, which uses Gond motifs to rebuild the city of London, won praise from all around the world. In a similar vein, Tara Books’ handcrafted, screen-printed books, like Creation and The Night Life of Trees, have helped Gond Art become more well-known in Japan.

Conclusion: A Living Tradition

Gond art is a dynamic manifestation of the Gond people’s inventiveness, spirituality, and tenacity; it is more than just an indigenous custom. Its transformation from a tribal custom to a widely recognized art form demonstrates its timeless significance and universal appeal. Audiences are continuously inspired by the art form’s use of vibrant colors, complex patterns, and symbolic motifs, which transcend time.
Gond Art continues to be a complex aspect of India’s cultural identity even as it changes to meet the needs of the modern world. In addition to protecting a priceless legacy, efforts to maintain and promote this art form also benefit the indigenous groups that have preserved it for millennia. Gond Art provides a glimpse of a worldview that finds significance and beauty in each and every tree, animal and pattern—a timeless message that resonates across cultures and generations.