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WHERE DID GOND ART ORIGINATE?

Gond paintings come from Gonds, who are the largest Adivasi tribe in India. They root from the Dravidians and sum up to 4 million in population. The word Gond comes from the word ‘kond’ which means green mountains in Dravidian dialect. Gond paintings are a form of tribal folk art.

The Gonds originate from Madhya Pradesh. However, they are also present in Andhra Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Maharashtra and Orissa

WHAT ARE GOND PAINTINGS?   

In earlier days, the Gonds painted mud walls of their houses as a traditional ritual. Nature and societal awareness greatly inspire the Gond artists.

The priests of those times converted the customary rituals into visual narratives. Gond paintings are traditionally made on festivals. Some of which include Karwa Chauth, Diwali and Nag Panchami. This art depicts the various festive celebrations and our relationship with nature.

Gond paintings consist of nature forms right from animals, humans to trees. The paintings depict vibrant local flora and fauna, Gods such as Mahakali etc.

HOW ARE THE PAINTINGS MADE?

Dots and dashes in various hues form this hypnotic art.

Heedful lines are drawn to create the paintings. Thus, it is also called ‘one line’ drawing. Also, Imaginative lines create an illusion of moving objects. Signature motifs fill the larger section of the canvas. Patterns in the paintings have both balance and symmetry. Moreover, spiral forms along with trees, animals and leaves can be noticed.

Gond paintings relate to the aboriginal art from Australia since both use dots and lines.

Another striking feature of Gond paintings is the use of natural colours. The artists use colours extracted from charcoal, cow dung, coloured soil, leaves and plant saps. However, due to depletion of resources, Gond artists use poster colours and canvas to paint.

SIGNIFICANCE

Gond artists believe that a good image brings good luck. Some also make Gond tattoos, decorate floors etc. Also, Gond art in wooden trays and boxes are extremely popular globally. In fact, the Indian Government highly encourages this art. Needless to say, the future of Gond art is as bright as the paintings.

WHERE CAN YOU LEARN GOND PAINTINGS?

There are many places in Madhya Pradesh where you can learn the traditional Gond art form. Also, Pencil and Chai conduct standard art classes for Gond paintings in Bangalore.

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