ROOTS: Art from the tribal heartland of India

The vibrant and profound visual voices of the Adivasis take centre stage at ‘ROOTS: Art from the Tribal Heartland of India’ exhibition. This celebration of indigenous art, which began on February 2 at the Visual Arts Gallery in India Habitat Centre, will captivate its audience till February 14.

ROOTS is a cultural journey into the dreams, aspirations, legends and wisdom held within the minds of India’s first humans—the Adivasi. This collection features the works of artists from four central Indian tribes: the Baiga, the Mandavi, the Pardhan Gond, and the Rajwar.

Authors of the book include Nada Chaldecott, Mitchell Shelby Crites, Aurogeeta Das, Rob Dean, Stephen Huyler, Thalia Kennedy, Minhazz Majumdar, Ameeta Nanji, Alka Pande and Nimish Swami.

The show unveils narratives previously silenced, presenting a parallel universe pre-existing and co-existing with our own, showcasing the Adivasi understanding of healthy ways to live on our planet.

The exhibition and book reveal the profound value of tribal art and culture, offering a newfound confidence and awareness.

Curated by Mitchell Crites and other specialists, ROOTS features 24 artists who boldly share their visions. Transcending traditional boundaries, these artworks explore new pigments, surfaces, and insights into ancient cultures. The collection includes masterpieces that draw viewers in, encouraging a meticulous examination of each line, dot, stroke, and whimsical detail.

Featured Artists include: Faguni Bai Baiga, Hema Baiga, Jhulan Bai Baiga, Jodhaiya Bai Baiga, Ramrati Bai Baiga Siyalal, Rinku Baiga, Roopa Baiga, Sakun Bai Baiga, Santoshi Bai Baiga, Savni Bai Baiga, Baldev Mandavi, Belgur Mandavi, Jairam Mandavi, Sehdev Mandavi, Sukhdev Mandavi, Shankar Mandavi, Pisadu Ram Mandavi, Phoolmani Bai Rajwar, Shakuntala Bai Rajwar, Sundari Bai Rajwar, Jangarh Singh Shyam, Narmada Prasad Tekam, Ram Bai Tekam and Akash Uikey.

When: 11 am to 8 pm; February 2 – 14.

Where: Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Centre