Second edition of 4-day Tribal Art Exhibition kickstarts in Delhi

The exhibition organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, National Tiger Conservation Authority, Sankala Foundation, International Big Cat Alliance, and National Human Rights Commission aims to recognize the conservation ethos of tribal communities and highlight the symbiotic relationship between these communities and Mother Nature.

The event seeks to inspire future generations to appreciate this connection and provides tribal artists an opportunity to engage with visitors.

The exhibition will facilitate artists to attend capacity building workshops and attending other art galleries including Lalit Kala Academy, National Gallery of Modern Art, Pradhanmantri Sanghralaya.

Speaking to ANI, Divya Singh, an art consultant, said, "So, the whole idea came around last year, when it's the festive season, Diwali season, where everybody's happy, it's in a jolly mood. So, the Ministry of Environment, Forest Climate Change, National Tiger Conservation Authority, and Sankala Foundation, they thought that why it would be in this festive time. So, Sankala Foundation has been regularly working in this whole idea of sustainability, climate, Indian conservation ethos, promoting our tribal artists, getting people from the ground, and helping them provide a platform."

"Last year, we, NTCA and Ministry of Environment, Forest Climate Change, was kind enough to support Sankala Foundation, and they said that, yes, let's collaborate. They helped us to bring around 30-35 tribal artists from different remote parts of our country. They came here for a 4-day art exhibition. It was held same at this place, Atrium India Habitat Centre. Last year, Honorable President was kind enough to come and inaugurate too. The next day, she was so kind enough that she invited all the tribal artists and she met all of them personally and last year itself, she and the entire officials, they decided that, yes, we would want to do a second edition," Divya added.

She also highlighted how there was immense cooperation from the various ministers for organising the event, including External Affairs minister S Jaishankar, Environment minister Bhupender Yadav.

"That is why this time, it is happening again at India Habitat Centre. S Jaishankar, Union Minister for External Affairs, was kind enough to cooperate. Bhupender Yadav was again kind enough, and we have immense gratitude for him although he was busy, but still he came, he found out time, and he gave us like a video byte of it, like a proper video for the tribal people. In the evening, Union Minister for Cultural and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, took out time from a second session and came for the cultural evening," she said

The exhibition aims to bring in tribal artists from all over the country and giving them a platform in New Delhi.

Further speaking on how the exhibition helps artist in promoting their work, she said, "There is no middlemen involved in this art exhibition. The entire money is going directly to the bank account of artist, so much so, that last year when the artist came, they were so overwhelmed that they said, 'we again want to come and that you've celebrated our Diwali."

The art consultants said that over 30 to 35 per cent paintings have already been sold on the second day.

"Artists are very excited that their Diwali has been celebrated and now when to come next year. As there is no middlemen involved, they get an assurance from it that government is standing with the artists," she added.

"The whole idea is to inspire them, motivate them and promote them," she said.

One of artists named Hemlata Bhardwaj from Chhattisgarh's Bastar explained the process of making her art and showcasing the culture of the region.

"I have made a local tribal's art. I have shown its culture. We have group like Dogra Art, metal art and painting. Firstly, we take wood from there and then our workers work on it then. Rest we create paintings and metal art, she said.

"This is the first time that I have come to exhibition. This is a channel to protect tribal culture, animal and the earning through this motivates us somewhere to go forward and to participate in such events," she added.

Leeladhar Atram, who represents Tadoba andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra said, "We have few guides there and they have some photos that they gave me and I thought of painting it that way. The way a lion jumps, he pulls out his nails. I have made a painting in that way."

Another artist named, Behelti Ama, from Arunachal Pradesh who represents Kamblang Tiger reserve said, "So, in my art, basically, I want to depict the lifestyle of Arunachal Pradesh's Mishmi community, and their relationship with the tiger."

The artist also said that out of the five paints brought in by her to Delhi, four have already been sold during the exhibition.

"NTCA and Sankhla Foundation are doing a great job. They are giving a platform to every tribal artist from their remote areas to exhibit their art. And it's not just about selling. People are able to see how different tribes exhibit their art, their culture, and their relationship with the tigers in every state. So, it's a big deal. And if it's being sold, it's a good thing. It will support them. As an art student, I feel good when people appreciate our paintings or artworks. I feel very happy. I bought 5 paintings, out of which 4 have been sold. So, I am very happy," she said. (ANI)