ROOTS: ART FROM THE TRIBAL HEARTLAND OF INDIA

ROOTS: Art from the Tribal Heartland of India — The vibrant and profound visual voices of the Adivasis take centre stage in the upcoming art exhibition and book launch, ROOTS: Art from the Tribal Heartland of India,

celebrating the indigenous art curated by Dr. Alka Pande and Mitchell Crites, at the Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi from 2 February 2024 to 14 February 2024 (11.00 AM to 8.00 PM)

CURATORS: DR. ALKA PANDE AND MITCHELL CRITES

ARTISTS

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 / AKASH UIKEY.

“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.

ROOTS is not just an exhibition but 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: Baiga, Mandavi, Pardhan Gond, and Rajwar. Authors of the book include Nada Chaldecott, Mitchell Shelby Crites, Dr. Aurogeeta Das, Rob Dean, Dr. Stephen Huyler, Dr. Thalia Kennedy, Minhazz Majumdar, Ameeta Nanji, Dr. Alka Pande and Nimish Swami,” says the organizers.

UNVEILING HIDDEN NARRATIVES

“ROOTS 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,” says the curators of the show.

“ROOTS: Art from the Tribal Heartland of India is accompanied by contributions from ten authors, each a scholar/specialist offering a deep understanding of Adivasi art and culture. Together, their insights create a comprehensive exploration of this previously unseen and unknown art form. Join us on this extraordinary cultural journey, where tradition meets innovation and ancient stories find expression in contemporary art. ROOTS promises an unparalleled sensory experience that transcends time and tradition,” curators added.