Drawing Life: Tribute to Warli Art

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