VAMA: celebrating the strength of Indian women artists

An exhibition honouring India’s women artists and their mastery of traditional folk and tribal art will open at Bikaner House next week. VAMA – The Strength Within, presented by Art Tree, runs from September 27 to October 1 at The Main Art Gallery, Bikaner House, from 11 AM to 7 PM daily.

The showcase features 18 women artists working across India’s rich tapestry of indigenous art forms, including Madhubani, Warli, Gond, Chamba Rumaal, Sohrai, Pattachitra, Cheriyal, Mandana, Bhil, and Phulkari. Many of the participating artists are Padma Shri and National Award recipients, whose works explore themes of resilience, transformation, and the divine feminine.

Notable artists include Gond masters Durga Bai and Nankusia Bai; Bhil artists Gangu Bai, Lado Bai, and Bhuri Bai; Chamba Rumaal specialist Anita Kumari; Sohrai-Ledra practitioner Juliet from Hazari Bagh Trust; Pattachitra artists Swarna Chitrakar and Kalpana Chitrakar; Mandana artist Vidya Devi; Madhubani painters Manisha Jha, Urmila Devi, and Chandrakala Devi; Warli artists Mamta Bongya and Shushti Bongya; Cheriyal painters D Vanaja and D Padma; and Phulkari artists Kiran and Veerpal. 

Also Read: Vartaman: A solo exhibition by Yashika Sugandh 

Pragati Agarwal, Founder of Art Tree, says the exhibition honours women who have preserved and innovated India’s indigenous arts, celebrating their skill, spirit, and stories.

When: September 27 to October 1; 11 AM to 7 PM

Where: Main Art Gallery, Bikaner House, New Delhi