The ‘Aadi Chitra’ paintings capture Adivasi life in vivid frames expressed in the unique dialects of Gond, Saura, Kurumba, Pithora and Warli art. Yet a thread of cultural continuity seems to unite all Aadi Chitra genres in its celebration of extravagant colours, myth and ritual and the depiction of stylised silhouettes of two dimensional figures.
The Aadi Chitra exhibition currently on view in the city is held under the auspices of TRIFED, a branch of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Kurumba artist Balasubramaniam from Tamil Nadu and Gond painter Charan Singh Marawi work up magic as they deftly re-create vignettes of tribal life. The dotted two-headed lion rests against a flowering tree drenched in intense colours. Subramaniam’s sepia-toned canvas comes to life in colours got from local vengai and kadi trees and the flowers which grow in the forest where he lives. Both have been painting since childhood.
A large section of the Gond paintings on view explodes with riotous colours. Mesmerising formats bring together paradisiacal birds, tigers, snakes and lions in stories.
A visual contrast is provided by the delicate Saura art from Odisha and Warli paintings of Maharashtra. Linked to marriages and other such ceremonies, today’s Warli artist fuses in his frames traditional motifs with modern elements such as cars and cycles. Minute dancing figures in circular formations painted in white against a ‘geru’ background form arresting frames.
Even more delicately executed are Saura paintings once painted on rock faces and walls to honour the dead and prevent disease. Today’s tussar frames have beautifully delineated trees and figures of dancers executed with incredible finesse.
Pithora paintings feature motifs such as Sun, moon, elephant and horses. Colourful horse riders figure prominently as stories unfold about local legends and heroes.
Patachitra paintings of Odisha though not done by tribal artists, depict lyrical narratives from the epics. Their frames are huge and done with a master’s touch.
The Aadi Chitra exhibition is on at Lalit Kala Akademi, Greams Road, till December 21.
