VAMA – The Strength Within: Celebrating Indian Women Through Folk and Tribal Art

Step into a world where tradition meets transcendence—VAMA – The Strength Within, presented by Art Tree, is a soul-stirring tribute to the indomitable spirit of Indian women artists.

From September 27th to October 1st, 2025 (11 AM – 7 PM), the Main Art Gallery at Bikaner House, New Delhi, transforms into a sanctuary of Stree Shakti, showcasing the brilliance of 18 female visionaries who breathe life into India’s most revered folk and tribal art forms.

From the intricate storytelling of Madhubani and Gond to the rhythmic elegance of Warli and the vibrant threads of Phulkari, each piece is a testament to resilience, heritage and divine feminine energy.

Timed to coincide with the sacred Navratri, this immersive exhibition honors women not just as artists, but as cultural torchbearers—many of whom are Padma Shri and National Award laureates.

Voices of the Soil: Master Artists Weaving India’s Living Traditions

In VAMA – The Strength Within, the canvas becomes a sacred space where legacy breathes and stories bloom.

The exhibition gathers an extraordinary constellation of national awardees and master artists—Durga Bai and Nankusia Bai (Gond), Gangu Bai, Lado Bai, and Bhuri Bai (Bhil), Anita Kumari (Chamba Rumaal), Juliet of Hazari Bagh Trust (Sohrai-Ledra), Swarna and Kalpana Chitrakar (Pattachitra), Vidya Devi (Mandana), Manisha Jha, Urmila Devi, and Chandrakala Devi (Madhubani), Mamta and Shushti Bongya (Warli), D. Vanaja and D. Padma (Cheriyal), and Kiran and Veerpal (Phulkari). Each artist carries the pulse of her land, channeling ancestral wisdom into vibrant forms that speak of resilience, ritual and reverence.

Their works are not mere artifacts—they are living testaments to the spiritual and social ecosystems that shape India’s folk and tribal identity.

Through brush, thread and pigment, these women offer a rare window into the soul of tradition, reimagined with grace and grit.

Rooted in Legacy, Blossoming with Purpose: The Vision of Art Tree

For over a decade, Art Tree has stood as a nurturing canopy for India’s artistic heritage—both traditional and contemporary—offering shade, strength and space for creativity to flourish.

Through thoughtfully curated exhibitions, immersive workshops, and dynamic public engagements, it has cultivated a deeper appreciation for the country’s diverse visual languages while empowering artists across generations.

At the heart of this movement is Ms. Pragati Agarwal, Founder and Managing Director, whose vision pulses through every initiative.

“Women have long been the silent torchbearers of indigenous art in India—transmitting knowledge, techniques, and stories through generations,” she reflects. “Their contributions, though foundational, often remain overlooked.”

VAMA – The Strength Within is a tribute to these unsung heroines—women who have defied socio-cultural constraints to become pioneers of their craft.

With the generous support of Nuvama Private, Art Tree brings this celebration to life, honoring the vibrant spirit of Shakti and the enduring legacy of woman-led artistry.