Gond Art Painting – Souvenir from Madhya Pradesh

As someone who loves exploring different cultures and art forms, I was immediately drawn to the soulful Gond art of the Gond tribal people from Madhya Pradesh, India. It’s fascinating how every society has its own unique art that’s an integral part of their cultural identity.

With Gond art, I was captivated by its contemporary designs and vibrant colors that seemed to jump off the canvas. The intricate dots and lines used in the art form added a certain charm and uniqueness that was hard to resist. And of course, the stories conveyed through the paintings added a whole new dimension of meaning and depth to the artwork.

Easy Gond art steps

History and Origin of Gond Art Painting

Before I enumerate the interesting facts of Gond Art let me share a bit about the history and origin of Gond Painting. Gond art was practised by the Gond tribe probably from the time they existed, however it was within the confines of their homes.

Gond comes from the Dravidian expression, Kond which means ‘the green mountain’.

In the 1980s, J Swaminathan, the director of the Bharat Bhavan Museum in Bhopal, wanted to exhibit urban and tribal art together. In an effort to trace out tribal Gond artists his students did a recce of various villages in Dindori district. A chance discovery of stunning Gond art on walls of a house in Patalgarh village led to students interacting with the great Gond artist Jangarh Singh Shyam.

He was more than willing to come to Bhopal and try new mediums of painting. There was no looking back after that. In Bhopal Jangarh Singh Shyam used paper and canvas as medium for Gond painting for the first time. Prior to that it was only walls and floors. At twenty six, he was conferred the Shikhar Samman (the Summit Award), the highest civilian award, by the Government of Madhya Pradesh in 1986.

Sadly his end was tragic. He used to do residential stints at the Mithila Museum in Tokamachi, Japan. In 2001, during his second residency at the Mithila Museum, Jangarh hanged himself. The reasons for his taking his life are not clearly known.

Easy Gond art on cup

Interesting Facts about Gond Art

The Gond people are a tribal community residing throughout the Deccan Peninsula of India. According to scholars, the Gonds migrated to Gondwana, which is currently known as eastern Madhya Pradesh, during the 9th to 13th century AD. They identify themselves as Gonds or Koi or Koitur, meaning hill people. The present-day Gond paintings have evolved from Digna and Bhittichitra. The Gonds paint Digna, a traditional geometric pattern on the walls and floors of the houses.

The Vibrant and Authentic Colours of Gond Paintings

Gond paintings have flooded the art market, but authentic pieces stand out because of the natural ingredients used to create their vibrant colours. The artists extract colours from plant sap, leaves, coloured soil, charcoal, flowers, and even cow dung. The use of these natural ingredients gives Gond paintings a unique and authentic look.

Most interesting fact of Gond painting is the use of bright colours. The works in colours like white, blue, yellow and red command attention. Though I have seen Gond artworks in colours like green, orange, purple and other shades too that seem equally beautiful.

Appreciating the Uniqueness of Gond Art: Why Comparisons to Other Art Forms Fall Short

Gond paintings are not just beautiful pieces of art but also have a deeper meaning behind them. They often depict stories that show the connection between man and nature. It’s fascinating how the Gond artists use their imagination and creativity to convey these stories through their paintings.

While some people have compared Gond art to aboriginal art from Australia, I believe that it’s not fair to compare them in that way. Both are unique in their own ways and have their distinct cultural roots.

It’s important to appreciate and respect the individuality of each art form and the rich cultural heritage they represent.

Deer with horns of trees – common Gond art painting

Differences Between Gond Art and Madhubani Art

Gond art and Madhubani art are two popular forms of traditional Indian art, and at first glance, they may appear quite similar.

However, one major difference between the two is the use of materials. In Madhubani art, artists use a paste made of powdered rice to create intricate designs and patterns on the canvas. In contrast, Gond art does not typically use rice paste, and instead relies on natural pigments and brushes to create their striking designs.

While both art forms have their unique techniques and styles, the use of rice paste is a defining characteristic of Madhubani art, setting it apart from other traditional Indian art forms like Gond art.

See comparison here: Gond Art vs. Madhubani Painting

Mesmerizing ‘On Line Work’ of Gond Art: Conveying Movement through Meticulous Lines

Gond art, also known as ‘On Line Work’, is an intricate art form that captivates viewers with its meticulously drawn lines in contrasting colors. The lines are drawn with such precision that they create a sense of movement and depth, making the art almost appear to jump off the canvas. The artists draw the inner as well as outer lines with as much care as possible which defines the perfection level.

Whether sloping or straight, the lines convey movement and energy to still images, giving them a dynamic quality. This signature technique has made it a symbol of Gond, makes it a truly unique and mesmerizing art form that continues to captivate audiences around the world.

The Significance of Gond Art: From Traditional Ceremonies to Modern Street Walls

The Gond tribe has always considered Gond paintings to be a symbol of good luck, and it was customary to create them during festivals, rituals, and ceremonies. They adorned the walls and floors of their houses with traditional tattoos and motifs using natural ingredients.

Today, you can find Gond art not only in traditional settings but also in modern spaces such as street walls, restaurants, schools, and even public toilets. While synthetic or commercial paints are used for these contemporary forms of Gond symbol, the tradition and significance of the art form remain just as strong.

Gond Art on ceiling

Unraveling the Story behind Still Art Images

As an art lover, I have often wondered how a single still image can convey a compelling story. However, after studying the different elements and subjects depicted in the art, I have come to appreciate how each element is based on nature and can be correlated to it.

In some cases, it’s easy to extract the story behind the painting by simply asking the artist who created it.

But, there are times when deciphering the meaning behind the image can be challenging, and I have found myself struggling to extract a story out of it. I recently came across this image that left me puzzled, and I would love to hear from fellow art enthusiasts in the comment section if they were able to decipher its meaning.

Spider in Gond Painting – artist’s wife displaying the art.

Impact of Gond Painting: Giving Identity and Unity to the Gond Tribe

Gond painting has had a significant impact on the Gond tribe, not only by giving them a new identity but also by exposing their art and culture to the outside world. It’s heartwarming to see how this traditional art form has helped bring the Gond community closer together and form a strong bond.

By promoting their art, the Gond artists have also helped to foster respect and admiration for their cultural heritage among their peers and other communities. This newfound recognition and appreciation for Gond paintings have played a vital role in preserving and promoting this beautiful art form, ensuring that it continues to thrive for generations to come.

It’s incredible to see how something as simple as art can bring about such positive change in a community.

The Fascinating History of Gond Art: From Confined Walls to Global Recognition

The history behind the traditional Gond art form is truly fascinating. It’s incredible to think that for a long time, the art was only confined to the walls of the Gond homes and was unknown to outsiders. It was only when Jangarh Singh Shyam, a talented Gond artist, popularised the art form outside of the community that it gained recognition and appreciation on a larger scale. It’s understandable why some argue that the art should be named ‘Jangarh Kalam’ (meaning: Style of Jangarh) after the artist who played such a significant role in promoting it.

However, the art form took the tribe’s name and the name Gond Art has stuck. I believe that the fact that the art form was hidden for so long and has now gained recognition and appreciation adds to its charm and allure.

Gond Tribal artist

Uniqueness of Gond Art

One of the things that I love about Gond art is the freedom that the artist has to choose any subject matter they desire. It’s incredible to see how they can take inspiration from tribal customs, folklore, reality, and abstract concepts and blend them seamlessly to create a unique and captivating piece of art.

I was fascinated to see how the artists blend different forms to create something truly unique and beautiful. Whether it’s a depiction of a mythological tale or a modern abstract piece, each Gond painting has its own story to tell. This versatility in subject matter is one of the reasons why Gond art continues to captivate art enthusiasts around the world.

Gond Art Painting, a perfect Souvenir

As someone who loves art and culture, I think Gond Art is an excellent souvenir choice from Madhya Pradesh. Here is Why Gond art is a perfect choice as a souvenir from Madhya Pradesh?

The intricate designs and vibrant colours used in this art form capture the essence of the region’s rich culture and traditions. Each piece tells a unique story, often inspired by nature, mythology, or folklore. Plus, Gond Art is a traditional art form that has been practiced for generations, making it a valuable part of India’s heritage.

By purchasing a Gond Art souvenir, you not only bring a piece of Madhya Pradesh home with you but also support the local artists who keep this beautiful art form alive.

Gond Art Exhibition at Kalakendra Patangarh Madhya Pradesh

Cost of Gond art

The cost price of Gond art can vary from a few hundreds to tens of thousands. I was perplexed at this disparity in cost of Gond artwork. When I asked the artists the reason for the difference in costs, they smiled in a teasing manner, “you have to understand the art to value them correctly”.

From my personal experience of comparing different Gond art pieces, I’ve found that the cost of the artwork typically depends on a few factors.

• Firstly, the number of colours used and the level of intricacy involved in the design can affect the price. I’ve noticed that some of the more complicated pieces tend to be pricier than simpler ones, even if the size remains the same.
• Secondly, the quality of paint used can also impact the cost. If natural herbal colours are used, the price may be higher.
• Lastly, I recommend keeping an eye out for any unique signature styles or detailing that make the artwork stand out. These can add to the value of the piece and make it more recognisable.

Interested in more Indian Heritage art? Check this: Kutchi Rogan Painting

Elephant in Gond Painting

How to do an easy Gond art:

Materials required for Gond art – Use a fine-tipped pen or marker to add intricate patterns of dots and lines. , paper, cloth, floor, wall as canvas. Here are 5 steps to do a simple Gond art:

1. Sketch your design: Begin by sketching your design with a pencil on a piece of paper. Gond art typically features a variety of animals, birds, trees, and nature-inspired motifs. You can start with a simple design like a flower.
2. Add colors (first time) Once you have your design outlined, start filling the sketch with colors. Gond art features bright, bold colors. You can use watercolor paints to fill in the colors.
3. Draw outlines of the patterns: With a pencil, draw outlines of the patterns you want to make.
4. Fill them with contrasting colors (second time).
5. Add patterns within these bigger patterns with contrasting colors (third time). By now your art piece will begin to look very colourful. For shading effect make dense/closely placed dots and lines. Some common patterns in Gond art include

• simple series of dots
• series of lines of uniform length
• series of semi circles with dots within
• hatching or crosshatching lines

Keep practicing! Gond art takes practice to master. Start with simple designs and gradually work your way up to more complex designs. With time and patience, you can create beautiful Gond art pieces.

FAQ on Gond Art India

What is Gond Art?

Gond Art is a form of folk art that originated from the Gond tribe in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is characterized by intricate patterns created with dots and lines that are inspired by nature, mythology, and folklore.

Jangarh Singh Syam is the founder of Gond art.

What materials are used in Gond Art?

Traditionally, Gond Art is created using natural materials such as mud, charcoal, colors from nature and cow dung. Nowadays, artists use modern materials such as acrylic paints and canvas to create their artworks.

What is the significance of Gond Art in Madhya Pradesh?

Gond Art is an important cultural tradition in Madhya Pradesh and is recognized as a significant art form in India. It has been used by the Gond community for centuries as a means of expressing their beliefs and stories.

Who are some famous Gond artists?

Some of the famous Gond artists include Jangarh Singh Shyam, Bhajju Shyam, Durga Bai, Venkat Raman Singh Shyam, and Mayank Shyam.

What is Gond tribe famous for?

Gond tribe is famous for its vibrant artworks. These art forms are exhibited in galleries worldwide. Earlier, these artworks were confined to decorating their homes.

Where can I buy Gond Art souvenirs?

Gond Art souvenirs can be bought from various places in Madhya Pradesh, such as markets, art galleries, and handicraft stores. They are also available online on various e-commerce websites.

Is Gond Art practiced only in Madhya Pradesh?

No, Gond Art is also practiced in other parts of India such as Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. However, the Gond Art from Madhya Pradesh is the most well-known and widely recognized.

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