Preview

Drawing Life: Tribute to Warli Art

Published by
Mohd Shehwaaz Khan

In a harmonius fusion of indigenous and contemporary influences in Warli art, the ‘Drawing Life’ exhibition will go beyond cultural and traditional confines.

It’s an exhibition presented by Anubhav Nath, Director of Ojas Art, and meticulously curated by the esteemed artist, curator, and educator, Nikhil Purohit.

The Warli tribe, tracing its roots back to 2500 BC, eloquently articulates its ancestral cultures through ritualistic wall paintings. Traditionally crafted with modest materials like soil, cow dung, and rice paste, these murals have long served to commemorate weddings, ceremonies, and joyous occasions. The 1970s marked a pivotal moment when Jivya Soma Mashe pioneered the transition of Warli art from walls to canvases, propelling it to become one of India’s most recognized and celebrated art forms. Valued for its simplicity and evocative power, Warli art found a new expression on canvases.

The ‘Drawing Life’ exhibition will feature an impressive collection of approximately 20 artworks, many commanding grand dimensions of up to 5 feet by 8 feet. These captivating pieces stand as a testament to the artists’ mastery of Warli art, renowned for its rhythmic, minimalist forms that gracefully convey the intricacies of life.

About the Artists:

Balu Jivya Mashe: As the son of the esteemed Warli artist Jivya Soma Mashe, Balu carries forward the tradition with a unique pictorial style deeply rooted in the rich Warli heritage.

Mayur & Tushar Vayeda: These exceptionally talented brothers have garnered international acclaim for their collaborative Warli art projects, showcased in prestigious exhibitions across Japan, Europe, and Australia.

Rajesh Chaitya Vangad: Recognized for his remarkable murals at prestigious venues such as the Craft Museum in New Delhi and the T2 Terminal at Mumbai International Airport.

Ramesh Laxman Hengadi: With over three decades of experience, Hengadi’s art vividly captures the customs and traditions of the Warli tribe, earning acclaim both in India and abroad.

Sadashiv Mashe: Continuing the Warli tradition like his father, Sadashiv draws inspiration from the world around him, creating art that speaks to the soul.

Shantaram Gorkhana: Acknowledged for his significant contributions to Warli art, Gorkhana’s works have graced prestigious venues including the Craft Museum Delhi and Indira Gandhi National Museum.

When: 11 am to 7 pm; October 15, 2023
Where: Ojas Art, 1AQ, Near Qutub Minar, Mehrauli, Delhi 110030

Mohd Shehwaaz Khan

Mohd Shehwaaz Khan is a journalist based in New Delhi. He won Laadli Media Award 2023 for best feature in print

Published by
Mohd Shehwaaz Khan

Recent Posts

Delhi: Absconder in 2021 rape case arrested after five-year chase

Police said despite sustained efforts, the accused remained at large and kept changing locations and…

January 11, 2026

A desert in motion: architect Mansi Trehan’s paintings at Bikaner House

At a debut solo exhibition in Delhi, an architect-artist explores sand, memory and movement through…

January 11, 2026

Not informing police biggest mistake: Elderly Delhi couple after losing Rs 14.85 Cr to cyber fraudsters

Om Taneja (81) and his wife Indira (77), a doctor, were kept under “digital arrest”…

January 11, 2026

Delhi court releases man convicted in fatal accident case on probation

The court observed although appellant had caused death by rash and negligent act, sending him…

January 11, 2026

Delhi Police detains AAP leaders protesting against BJP over Guru Tegh Bahadur issue

AAP leaders were detained during a protest against the BJP over an alleged doctored video…

January 11, 2026

NDMC to step up infrastructure, cleanliness efforts ahead of India AI Impact Summit in Delhi

NDMC is rolling out a G20-style upgrade of roads, lighting and cleanliness to prepare Delhi…

January 11, 2026