presents

MODERN TRIBAL
SELECTIONS FROM THE GONDWANA ART PROJECT

WWW.CCDFINDIA.ORG
Modern Tribal
WWW.CCDFINDIA.ORG

Craft and Community Development Foundation

(CCDF) has been set up with the aim to
support and fund projects that enhance
livelihood for communities focused on the art
and crafts sector. The Foundation takes up
projects for upskilling artisans by introducing
new concepts and design, keeping intact the
authenticity of their art.

The ongoing Gondwana Art Project is focused

@CCDFINDIA

on tribal artisans from the Gondwana Region in

central India, practicing Gond, Bhil, Warli,
Sohrai, Kohvar and Baiga art. The Foundation
has created a platform for these tribal artists to
present their work and their perspectives
demonstrating their creativity and
craftsmanship, introducing new methods and
techniques that express both traditional and
CCDFINDIA@GMAIL.COM

contemporary imagery and values. The artworks

created under the project are showcased to a
global audience, opening new markets for
these traditional artforms.
Modern Tribal

The artists involved in The Gondwana Art

Project create artworks, under guidance and
THE GONDWANA ART PROJECT

mentoring by CCDF designers. The project aims

to ensure that the artworks are unique pieces
of tribal art incorporating design elements
keeping in mind a wide range of global
audiences. During the project the artisans are
encouraged to freely express their skills and
experiment with new techniques, design and
color palette, to create modern &
contemporary tribal artworks.

Gond Painting is a form of tribal art that is

practiced by one of the largest communities in
South Asia. Gond comes from the Dravidian
expression Kond which means the Green
Mountain. Gond paintings mostly cover various
themes such as folk stories, religion, nature etc.
The paintings are flamboyant with bright and
vivid colors or simple black and white palette.
Each painting has individuality in expression
and interpretation. Gond paintings use a
technique of creating textures by a pattern.
The artist starts with an outline which is then
filled with block colors, then elaborate
patterning is painted on top, which details life
forms on the canvas or paper. Dots, dashes and
ABOUT

curved lines are common designs. The artist has

to be very precise and the patterning process is
time consuming.
 Bhil painting is a form of tribal art that is practiced
THE GONDWANA ART PROJECT
by the second largest tribal community residing in
central India. The Bhil’s ancestry can be traced to
Eklavya and Valmiki, who, were from their
community. The rich cultural tradition of the Bhils
are manifested in their rituals, songs, and dances,
their community deities, tattoos, myths, and art.
Everything connected with the Bhil life is painted –
the Sun, the Moon, the animals, trees, insects,
rivers, fields, mythological figures, and their gods.
The Bhils, like all Adivasis, live close to nature. The
dots are the distinct identity of Bhil art and have
multiple layers of symbolism. Patterns of dots are
used to fill in their paintings and are remarkably
similar to Australian Aboriginal art.

Warli is a form of tribal art that comes from the

North Sahyadri Range in Maharashtra, India. The art
form makes use of decorative motifs and geometric
shapes such as circles, triangles, and squares to
form numerous shapes depicting the life and beliefs
of the Warli tribe. The Warli culture is centered on
the concept of Mother Nature and its elements
which are widely depicted in Warli paintings. These
paintings are traditionally done on the walls of
village houses, usually depicting scenes of human
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figures engaged in activities like hunting, dancing,

sowing, and harvesting. The paintings are typically
done over a background (base) which of mud and
cow dung or a geru color. The white pigment used
to draw shapes and figures is a mixture of rice
paste and gum. In modern times the rice paste has
been replaced by Acrylic paint.
 Modern Tribal

ANITA SHYAM – GOND ARTIST,

BHOPAL (MADHYA PRADESH)

ANITA BALU MHASE – WARLI ARTIST,

DAHANU (MAHARASTHRA))

GEETA BHARIYA – BHIL ARTIST,

BHOPAL, (MADHYA PRADESH)

JYOTI UIKEY – GOND ARTIST,

BHOPAL (MADHYA PRADESH)
Modern Tribal

RITA SHYAM – GOND ARTIST,

BHOPAL (MADHYA PRADESH)

RAJESH MOR – WARLI ARTIST,

DAHANU (MAHARASHTRA)

RAMESH SINGH VYAM - GOND ARTIST,

BHOPAL, (MADHYA PRADESH)

RAVI TEKAM – GOND ARTIST,

BHOPAL (MADHYA PRADESH)
Modern Tribal

SANTOSHI SHYAM – GOND ARTIST,

BHOPAL (MADHYA PRADESH)

SITA MEDA – BHIL ARTIST,

JHABUA (MADHYA PRADESH)

SUGIYA DEVI – SOHRAI & KOHVAR

ARTIST, HAZARIBAGH (JHARKHAND)

SURESH DHURVE – GOND ARTIST,

DINDORI (MADHYA PRADESH)
Modern Tribal

RAMBAI – GOND ARTIST,

PATANGARH (MADHYA PRADESH)

CHANDRAKALI PUSHAM – GOND ARTIST

PATANGARH (MADHYA PRADESH)

BHAVNA TEKAM – GOND ARTIST,

PATANGARH (MADHYA PRADESH)

YASHPAL BARANDA – BHIL ARTIST,

UDAIPUR (RAJASTHAN)
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Peacock Dance
Bhavna Tekam
Acrylic on
canvas
36x48 inches

Two beautiful dancing peacocks spreading their plumage and putting up a spectacular display
of rich magical colours of their feathers. They surrender in the realm of divine beauty and wisdom
of the mind reflecting the pure joy of the heart bringing out the happiness of life in nature.

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693

Universe
Dilip Vighne
Acrylic on Cloth
48x48 inches

A wonderful depiction of the artists vision of the universe, with a deity in the centre signifying the
creator, birds encircling the deity, the sun and the moon on opposite sides.
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591
Swayamvar
Narmada Prasad Tekam
Acrylic on canvas
35x47 inches

Raja Loh Gundi hosted a swayamvar

for his daughter with a challenging
task: shooting a bird, fish, and
mangoes into a pot of boiling oil with
one arrow. The Pandavas sought
permission from their mother to
attend, and, with her approval, they
entered the competition. None of the
royals dared to try. Bhima and Arjuna
stepped up, Bhima creating a
whirlpool with his mace and Arjuna
shooting the targets with his arrow.
They succeeded, winning the
princess's hand in marriage and half
the kingdom as a reward. Draupadi
became part of their family, and they
celebrated their victory.

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191

Birds
Bhavna Tekam
Acrylic on Canvas
36x48 inches

The artwork is done in pleasing pastel

colours depicting two birds in a nest with
forest represented by leaves in the
background. The artwork is a
sophisticated and modern representation
of the Gond art form.
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Fish and Crab
Anita Shyam
Acrylic on
canvas
36x48 inches

This Gond painting features a fish and a crab. The crab, which can live both on land and sea, has
been illustrated outside the water, perhaps on onshore sands. The fish seems to be jumping out
of the water which is why it has been drawn half in and half out of the water. The fins also have
been shown with many colours and patterns which have been emphasised to show the movement
in the scene.

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357

Mels III
Chandrakali
Pusham
Acrylic on
canvas
36x48 inches

The Gonds revere their animals and celebrate with them during their festivals. The Artist has
depicted a vibrant Mela scene in the village with the different communities and their cattle
celebrating and enjoying the festivities and selling and buying toys, wooden masks and cattle.
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Tribal Mela
Rambai
Acrylic on canvas
34x46 inches
Rambai has been painting since her
childhood and her entire family is
following the tradition of their
forefathers. Here she has portrayed a
typical scene from a Mela in the
villages. Her paintings have a very
rustic yet contemporary look, that has
further been developed under the
Gondwana Art Project.

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344

Underwater Creatures
Ramesh Shyam
Acrylic on canvas
33x44 inches

This artist has made a very vibrant

colourful painting, demonstrating the
colours the exist underwater. The use of
different gond motifs and the detailing
gives it a very modern look.
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Tribal Fest
Chandrakali Pusham
Acrylic on Canvas
36x48 inches

The close bond between the tribal

community and the animals, a range of
characters in festive mood, all getting
together for festivities.

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036

Flying Bird
Geeta Bhariya
Acrylic on
canvas
37x50 inches

Abstract colours, dots and forms have been used in this painting to show a bird spreading its
wings magnificently to take flight. The tail and the wings of the bird have been painted with
prominence given to them. The background is composed of dot circles of different sizes which
adds to the movement depicted in the piece.
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Belvat Kanya
Anita Balu
Cow dung &
acrylic on
cloth
37x48 inches

This folktale of a princess by the name of Bael Kanya, which translates to "fruit girl." The girl
develops feelings for a passing prince. One night in the wilderness, the girl attempts to bring the
thirsty prince some water but instead gets stuck inside a bael fruit. A bird assists the prince in
finding the missing girl since he is unable to notice her absence. The bird carries the prince on
her back and then he uses his sword to split open the fruit thus releasing his princess to fly back
home.

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073
Salty Sea
Anita Balu
Cow dung &
acrylic on cloth
37x48 inches
Story of a famished, impoverished hunter who captures a parrot in the wild. He was startled
when the parrot asked to spare his life and promised to let him make any wish. Upon requesting
food, the parrot gave the hungry man a hand mill and instructions on how to use it. The hunter
gave it to his wife, who used it to grind up all their food requirements. Knowing this, the local
criminal broke into the poor man's house, stole the handmill, carried it to the sea, and set it to
work to make salt. It ground out salt until it sank the boat, and then went on grinding in the sea,
turning the sea salty.
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375
Underwater
Life - Fishing
for livelihood
Jyoti Uikey
Acrylic & pen
on Paper
21x27 inches
This artwork depicts the daily life of aquatic animals like fish, crabs, and turtles and the
fisherman who catches them for their livelihood. The synchronous colors and pattern details
reflect the rich livelihood of tribals along with the aquatic wealth of the region.

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150

Owls
Anita Shyam
Acrylic on
Canvas
36x48 inches

A parliament of nocturnal owls wondering in the mystery of the shadows of the night forest. The
Owl is considered the most beautiful bird in Gond folk tales, one with a sharp sense of humour
and wittiness.
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116
Deer at Twilight
Bhavna Tekam
Acrylic on
canvas
36x48 inches
Two playful deer prancing about in the jungle in the twilight of the moon, often seen near their
village in the forests in central India. The artwork has been beatifully developed with a soothing
colours palette and a modern background.

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235

Navgunjara
Rahul Shyam
Acrylic & pen on Paper
21x28 inches

In Hindu mythology, Navagunjara is a legendary entity made up of nine distinct animals. The is
said to be an incarnation of the god Vishnu. It features a rooster's head and three feet, which
are those of an elephant, tiger, deer, or horse; the fourth leg is an outstretched human arm
bearing a lotus or a wheel. The beast features a peacock's neck, a bull's back, and a lion's waist,
with a serpent's tail.
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311

An
Admiration
Rahul Shyam
Acrylic & pen
8on Paper
21X28 inches

Traditional artforms have always taken inspiration from the movements and patterns observed in
flora and fauna. This artwork, however, seems to represent the opposite. The artist has shown his
appreciation for traditional Gond folk dance forms by showing birds being mesmerised by
viewing the dancer. The window around the dancer also brings more focus and a bright spotlight
on her.

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353

Congregation of Snakes -
Saptbahini
Rahul Shyam
Acrylic & pen on Paper
21x28 inches

This gond artwork called 'Saptbahini'

depicts a group of snakes that are
considered auspicious by the Gond
community. It is believed that if one
snake is hurt, the others will come after
the offender to take revenge.
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122

United Swarm
Anita Balu
Cow dung & acrylic on
cloth
37x50 inches

This piece of art depicts a swarm of

bees. Several thousands of honey bees
band together and decide to establish a
new home. They feed from a variety of
flowers for nutrition, embracing the
essence of each one without damaging
it, regardless of colour or shape,
embodying the idea of unity in diversity.
The artist has very thoughtfully used
principles of repetition, emphasis, rhythm
and harmony to convey the relationship
between the queen bee and her swarm.

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135
Palgoot Devi
Anita Balu
Cow dung & acrylic on cloth
37x50 inches

This folklore illustrates the painting ritual

made by the warli tribals on the special
occasion of weddings. The painting depicts
Palgoot Devi who is the mother goddess, also
known as the symbol of fertility. It is painted
by the tribal women on the house walls of
bride and groom which begins in the morning
and is finished by the evening and is veiled
until the marriage ceremonies are done. Later
then prayers are offered and paintings are
unveiled which remain on the walls for years.
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703
Fishermen
Dilip Vighne
Acrylic and
Pen on Cloth
36x60 inches

A scene of tribal fishermen casting their fishing nets in the river to catch a variety of fishes after
the rainfall season in the village. Birds revolve around the fishermen preying on escaped and
unattended fishes.

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259
Warli Dancing
Rajesh Mor
Indigo &
acrylic on
cloth
51x41 inches
This unique warli artwork is done on indigo dyed cloth. The artist has depicted the village
celebrations and the different dances that are done during festivals. The artist has shown the
villagers dancing in the sun enjoying themselves.
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193

Shikari
Rita Shyam
Acrylic on
canvas
36x48 inches
This Gond painting of Shikari (hunter) has been done by Rita in an imaginative style with the
body of a an animal and the upper torso of a human. Many elements of a jungle scene can be
seen in this modern painting. The artist has skilfully used Gond motifs and designs in her unique
style.

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242

Cow Herd
Rambai
Acrylic on canvas
36x46 inches

In India, cows are revered as

sacred animals and are a common
sight in rural homes. A cow herd has
been shown in this artwork in the
Gond style. The way the cows are
arranged by the artist gives the
impression that they are moving and
three-dimensional. This painting does
a fantastic job of showcasing the
Gond elements. The Gond have
mastered coexisting with nature, and
this is reflected in their art. In this
picture, nature is depicted in vivid
colours.
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326

Earth Layers
Ramesh Shyam
Acrylic on
canvas
36x48 inches

This vibrantly coloured painting was created by the artist to represent the layers of the earth
visualised by him. This rare and distinctive Gond painting has striations in the layers and various
terrain shapes using vivid colours in a contemporary style.

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605
Matsya Avatar
Suresh Dhurve
Acrylic on Canvas
36x48 inches
This painting portrays one of the ten
avatars of the great Lord Vishnu. The
folklore suggests that Lord Shiva had
planned on creating massive floods to
retrieve the Vedas from the King of
demons, Hayagriva. On getting to know
this, Lord Vishnu took on the form of Matsya
(a fish). Furthermore, he had to safeguard
Manu and his wife Shatarupa, the pair who
would be crucial in re-conceiving mankind.
The Matsya avatar, frequently shown with a
man's torso and a fish's tail, has been
painted in the Gond style.
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587
Pola
Anita Vyam
Acrylic on
canvas
36x48 inches

The spirit of the Pola festival comes to life as an adorned cattle takes centre stage. The entire
body of the cattle is covered in an array of intricate and vibrant patterns, symbolizing the
reverence and celebration of this beloved animal during the festival. The artwork skilfully
captures the essence of Pola, showcasing the artistry and cultural significance of adorning cattle
as a gesture of respect and gratitude in this traditional Gond art style.

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120

The tale of Narmada

Ravi Tekam
Acrylic on canvas
36x48 inches
This painting illustrates the Tale of
Narmada river which flows in the west
and as per the Gond folklore, had a
love affair with the Sonbhadra river
that flows to the east. The Gond
folklore is on the betrayal of Narmada
by her close friend Juhila, who gets
into a relationship with Sonbhadra,
who was supposed to have been
engaged with Narmada. Due tot his
betrayal, Narmada in anger decided
that she will never flow towards the
east and will go in the opposite
direction. Thus Narmada is the only
river in India that flows towards the
west.
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314
The Eagle
Jyoti Uikey
Acrylic on
canvas
36x48 inches

The Bird is often a subject of Gond paintings. This artwork is representation of the Eagle in a
sophisticated style and a modern colour palette by this very talented artist.

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489

Jungle Stories
Ravi Tekam
Acrylic on
canvas
36x48 inches
Animals often a subject of Gond paintings as well as Ravi's choice of subject. This artwork is
representation of animals in a jungle in a sophisticated style and colours. Many of the large
animals found in jungles of central India are found in this artwork.
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038
Circle of Life
Rita Shyam
Acrylic on canvas
35x48 inches

The Adivasi Gonds community's life

cycle is summarised in this picture. The
depictions of birds and other animals
inside the natural and cultural contexts
by the tribal gods Thakur Dev and
Khairo Mata highlight the importance of
nature and animal life to tribal rituals. In
order to create a painting that seems
extremely harmonic and in rhythm with
one another, the artist combined all of
the significant facets of life into one.

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330
Musicians Ode
Rita Shyam
Acrylic on canvas
30x42 inches
The artist has developed this very
contemporary Gond Painting depicting a
number of musical instruments and nature.
Rita has been painting since her childhood
and has developed a unique style of
presenting her art.
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664

Laxman at Dhindsa
Palace
Narmada Prasad Tekam
Acrylic on Canvas
36 x 48 inches

The artist depicts the story of Lakshman at Dhinda Palace. Sita wanted to visit the Dinda palace
in Pataal Lok to meet her brother-in-law, Lakshman. Inside the palace, she found Lakshman
captivated by an instrument called the "kidrash." With determination, Lakshman began playing it,
creating enchanting music. His mastery summoned the celestial dancer Indrakamni, who danced
to the harmonious tune. Bada Dev, who witnessed Lakshman's remarkable connection with the
elements, expressed his admiration for this rare feat.

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669
Suryadev
Rahul Shyam
Acrylic on Canvas
36x48 inches

The radiant sun god, Surya, is vividly

portrayed with intricate patterns and
vibrant colours. The artwork pays
homage to the revered deity,
capturing the powerful and radiant
presence of Suryadev in the
traditional Gond art style. The sun's
energy and divinity are beautifully
brought to life, illuminating the
artwork with a sense of awe and
reverence.
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678
Peacock and the Deer
Anita Vyam
Acrylic on Canvas
36x48 inches

A graceful deer and a majestic peacock

come together in a harmonious dance of
colors and shapes. The artist's strokes and
intricate patterns bring out the beauty
and essence of these two creatures,
creating a captivating and vibrant
portrayal of nature's wonders. favorite
space to gaze in the wild forest.

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442
Tantric Vidya
Santoshi Shyam
Acrylic & pen on Paper
19x26 inches
This artwork has been developed by the artist
on Tantrik Vidya. It is said that this Vidya is
learnt only by the very determined as many of
the deity’s appear in the form of wild animals
or even demons to scare the persons who
wish to learn the Vidya.
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114
Enchanted Doe
Santoshi Shyam
Acrylic on canvas
35x47 inches
A doe is depicted in this picture
ambling through the woodland in
peace while the night sky is painted
with brilliantly dazzling stars. The doe
is spellbound by the splendour of the
heavens. The emotions of the animal
have been shown uniquely by the use
of the colours and patterns in the
background. The doe also seems to be
at peace and serenity which is quite
uncommon as the general prejudices
tell that does and deer are timid in
nature.

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159
Harmony
Santoshi Shyam
Acrylic on
canvas
35x46 inches
The blissful union of the old souls of deer is depicted in this artwork. A lovely resonance is
produced throughout the wide expanse of the universe by their pleased feelings as they lie
contentedly in the lap of nature. The antlers also add a sense of connectedness to the artwork.
The colours throughout the piece bring out a sense of tranquillity and joy.
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281
Valley of Flowers
Santoshi Shyam
Acrylic on canvas
35x48 inches
The Gond people hold the view that spirits
can be found in many parts of nature,
including hills, the sky, and trees. As a
result, it is carried out in adoration and
respect for the sacred essence of natural
forms. This artwork reflects the Gond
tribe's close connection to the natural
world.

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282
Nandi
Suresh Dhurve
Acrylic on
canvas
36x47 inches

This painting depicts the Nandi, the sacred bull of god Shiva. Nandi’s are often found at the
entrance door of Shaivite temples. The artist has used Gond designs and techniques beautifully
in this painting.
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364

Deity
Suresh Dhurve
Acrylic and Pen on Paper
20x26 inches

The artist has depicted a Deity,

perhaps the Jungle Devi worshipped
by the Gond community. The painting
is done in a very vibrant and modern
style.

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351

Mela
Santoshi Shyam
Acrylic on canvas
36x47 inches

A very vibrant Mela scene that

happens often in the villages. The
artwork is done in a very rustic yet
modern style using Gond motifs.
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389
Jalpari
Santoshi Shyam
Acrylic on canvas
36x49 inches
The artwork represents an imaginary
water fairy - a Jalpari. The artist has
made this imaginary creature in a
glorified form showing it as a beatiful
fish living underwater amongst other
fishes and creatures.

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484
Turtles
Santoshi
Shyam
Acrylic on
canvas
31x44
inches
The vibrancy and the abstract patterns of the Gond Tribe have been depicted very beautifully in
this painting. While being a traditional artform, the artist has used contemporary elements to
appeal to a variety of viewers.
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486
Vibrations
Santoshi
Shyam
Acrylic on
canvas
31x44 inches
The artwork is a wonderful representation of Gond motifs and designs used in an abstract form.
The artist has brought out the energy and vibrations of her inner self in this painting,
demonstrating the endless thoughts and visions she has living in her remote village.

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132
Elephants in
a Stream
Sher Singh
Acrylic on
canvas
36x48 inches
A herd of elephants in a water stream enjoying a water bath in the wilds of the forest. Colorful
dots in bhil style intensify the texture and depth of the forest landscape depicting the
picturesque maze of the scene.
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641
The Forest
Santoshi Shyam
Acrylic on canvas
36x48 inches

A vibrant forest comes to life with lush trees, vivid flowers, and intricate shrubbery. The artist's strokes
and rich colors beautifully capture the flourishing vitality of the natural world, inviting viewers to
immerse themselves in the beauty of this bountiful forest.

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643

The Forest ll
Santoshi Shyam
Acrylic on canvas
36x48 inches

The tribal communities have the belief that all aspects of nature, including hills, the sky, and trees, are
home to spirits. Therefore, their art is done with respect and adoration of the sacred essence of the
natural forms. Here the artist has depicted a Forest with bright autumn leaves.
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214
Bhil Visions
Sita Meda
Acrylic on canvas
31x63 inches
This Bhil painting expands on the expressive potential of the medium by including a variety of
forms and patterns. The curves and strokes in the work create a sense of movement, and the
vibrant colours are used to increase the piece's complexity and give it a modern and
contemporary style

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301

Bhills
Sita Meda
Acrylic on
canvas
35x50 inches

The artist has made faces from the Bhil community in this painting done in a very modern and
contemporary style. Sita Meda has developed a unique style of Bhil paintings done in a very
modern and contemporary style, evolving from the more traditional figuratives that she used to
do previously.
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252

Varaha
Jyoti Uikey
Acrylic on canvas
36x48 inches

This Gond artwork illustrates the

Varaha avtar of god Vishnu, in the
form of a wild Boar. Varaha is riding
a Lion and the entire body of Varaha
and the Lion has gond motifs and
designs.

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190

Elephant
Rambai
Acrylic on
canvas
36x48 inches

The incorporation of various geometric shapes and patterns has enhanced the artwork, showing a
vibrant being standing in complete contrast to its traditional counterparts. While the colour palette
is very non-traditional to gond paintings, it still somehow celebrates a very significant subject
traditional to it. Here, Nature has been presented with a fresh take.
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167
Lucid
Sita Meda
Acrylic on canvas
32x44 inches
This Bhil artwork illustrates the
visualization of relationship between
intense inner thoughts and existing
reality. It describes the lucid transitions
of state of awareness with permanent
instantaneous reflection. This
encounters a paradox between
complexities and simplicity.

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496
Osmosis II
Sita Meda
Acrylic on Canvas
36x48 inches
This Bhil painting shows us a variety of
animals ready to enter Noah's Ark from
their natural habitats. The vibrancy and
the abstract patterns of the Gond Tribe
have been depicted very beautifully in
this painting. While being a traditional
artform, the artist has used
contemporary elements to appeal to a
variety of viewers.
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504
Welcoming
the newly
wed (I)
Sugiya Devi
Acrylic on
canvas
38x48 inches
This black and white artwork is a Kohvar painting, done typically on the walls of tribal community
during weddings, to welcome the newly weds

CODE
505

Welcoming
the newly
wed (II)
Sugiya Devi
Acrylic on
canvas
38x49 inches
This black and white artwork is a Kohvar painting, done typically on the walls of tribal community
during weddings, to welcome the newly weds
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609

Shiva and the Peacock

Ravi Tekam
Acrylic on Canvas
36x48 inches
In this artwork, Lord Shiva, the Hindu
deity, is depicted alongside a peacock.
Shiva, with his serene demeanor,
contrasts with the vibrant and graceful
peacock. The artwork portrays the
divine and natural worlds converging,
creating a harmonious and captivating
scene.

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274
Owl
Suresh Dhurve
Acrylic & pen on Paper
10x14 inches
This painting is a translation of an owl in the
Gond style. An owl, considered a wise,
observant being with a whiff of mystery and
superiority, has been expressed in this
painting. The patterns, colours, stylised
features and the stance accords all of its
character traits.
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583
Kali
Rambai
Acrylic on Canvas
36x48inches

The fearsome goddess Kali rides proudly atop

her loyal tiger. Behind them, the mighty
serpent Sheshnaag coils. Kali’s iconic long,
protruding tongue symbolizes her power and
unbridled energy, making this artwork a vivid
tribute to her formidable presence.

CODE
372
Tribal Heads
Suresh Dhurve
Acrylic & pen on Paper
21x26 inches
Besides traditional paintings, Gonds also
excel in traditional woodwork, often making
wooden masks portraying tribal heads. The
artist has made a colorful depiction of
tribal masks in his painting.
 CODE
381
Dhuri Dev
Suresh Dhurve
Acrylic & pen on Paper
21x26 inches
The painting depicts the folklore of Dhuri Dev
a deity that the Gonds worship before they
go out to fetch wood from the jungles. The
Gonds worship the Dhuri Dev as it is believed
that the deity provides for their livelihood and
basics for survival. The artwork is done in a
contemporary style.

CODE
480

Jungle Devi
Suresh Dhurve
Acrylic & pen on Paper
21x27 inches

This folkore narrates the story of the Baiga

adivasi's and forests. The forests are the
home of gods and divinites for the tribal
people. The tribe has a very close
relationship with the forest, which provides
their livelihoods and survival. The Baisa
Adivasis worship the forest (Jungle Devi)
which is custom before they cut woods and
return to their homes.
 CODE
599
Pola
Anita Vyam
Acrylic on canvas
36x48 inches

The spirit of the Pola festival comes to life as an adorned cattle takes centre stage. The entire
body of the cattle is covered in an array of intricate and vibrant patterns, symbolizing the
reverence and celebration of this beloved animal during the festival. The artwork skilfully
captures the essence of Pola, showcasing the artistry and cultural significance of adorning cattle
as a gesture of respect and gratitude in this traditional Gond art style.

CODE
283
The Creator
Suresh Dhurve
Acrylic on canvas
34x45 inches
This artwork is a representation of the
Creator in the artist mind. The figure
appears to be a deity with multiple
heads in different forms and shapes,
and body of the woman the body of
the Creator.
 CODE
345

Evolution
Suresh Dhurve
Acrylic on canvas
34x46 inches

The painting is a depiction of the artist's

imagination of the evolution of life and
the Universe. The artist has been
encouraged to experiment with pastel
colors and he has created some unique
paintings with a very contemporary look
under The Gondwana Art Project.

CODE
387
Dance of the Swans
Santoshi Shyam
Acrylic on canvas
48X36 inches
This is a very modern artwork by one
of the most talented Gond artist
Santoshi Shyam. The artwork shows a
swan in a dance pose. The artwork
has been done in pleasing colors with
a modern design concept.
 CODE
348
Earth
Suresh Dhurve
Acrylic on
canvas
34x45 inches
This artwork is the artist's portrayal of the earth and how it enables life amongst humans, flora
and fauna. The earth is worshipped by the tribal communities as it gives them their livelihood
and is seen as the creator of nature and life.

CODE
349
Snakes-
Seshnag
Suresh Dhurve
Acrylic on
canvas
44x31 inches
This powerful painting depicts the Sheesh Nag, the king of snakes, with multiple heads. The
snakes are worshipped by the Gods and many of their paintings depict the beaty and the power
of snakes.
 CODE
026

Ann Dai
Suresh Dhurve
Acrylic on canvas
33x45 inches
The folklore of Ann Dai, a Goddess of
agriculture, is depicted by Gond artist
Suresh Kumar from the Madhya Pradesh
hamlet of Dindori. The village's farmers
are blessed by the goddess of cereals,
who also gives grain for nourishment.
She has four heads and two hands, and
she carries rice, kutki, and the nutrient-
rich Kodo crop seeds that are grown in
Dindori, Madhya Pradesh.

CODE
529
The Jungle Stories
Rita Shyam
Acrylic on Canvas
36x48 inches
A puzzle of forms, initially defying easy
interpretation. Yet, as you gaze longer,
hidden within the intricacies, you’ll
discover animals interwoven with a
mesmerizing dance of lines and shapes,
revealing the artist’s skill in blending
abstraction and symbolism, making it a
unique piece of art.
 CODE
430
Jungle Stories
Santoshi Shyam
Acrylic & pen on Paper
14x22 inches

Jungle Stories is a series of artworks by

the immensely talented Santoshi Shyam.
This artwork is a brilliant depiction of the
Jungle in a abstract form. The artwork
has glimpses of many animal figures,
almost conveying that they are illusions
or shadows in the jungle.

CODE
388
The Playground
Santoshi Shyam
Acrylic on canvas
48X36 inches
The playground is a brilliant painting
depciting children and animals playing in
different groups and in different parts of
a playground in the village. The artwork
depicts a very happy and joyous
atmosphere in the villages where the
tribals live.
 CODE
210

Mahurat
Yaspal
Baranda
Acrylic on
canvas
37x46 inches

The Bhil society is a fervent believer in nature. They have many customs and traditions that
worship nature, plants and animals. The painting shows elephants and saints passing through the
village while locals pay donations to see and worship them.

CODE
093
Holi
Festivities
Yaspal
Baranda
Acrylic on
canvas
38x47 inches

Festivals and celebrations are filled with a lot of music and joy. This painting portrays the
celebration of Holi, a festival of colours. Since music and dance are very prominent in the Bhil
community, the same has been depicted in this celebration as well.
 CODE
557
Glory of the Bird
Suresh Dhurve
Acrylic on Canvas
48X36 inches
A bird takes center stage, its fiery yellow-
orange plumage igniting the painting
against a vibrant vermilion backdrop. With
wings gracefully arched above its head, the
bird exudes a sense of power and majesty,
commanding attention and evoking the
awe-inspiring beauty of nature.

CODE
509
Community
Parvati Devi
Acrylic and natural pigments on canvas
36x72 inches
This Sohrai artwork is unique in terms of its palette and color composition. Parvati Devi has
painted busy village scenes with many playful characters. The artwork depicts the close
community life in the villages of India.
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