Gond Paintings

The Gonds are among the largest tribes in Central India. Though predominantly centered in Madhya Pradesh, they are present in significant numbers in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. They paint their walls with vibrant depictions of local flora, fauna and gods.

The Gond tribe believed " viewing a good image begets good luck". Gond paintings depict various celebrations, rituals and man's relationship with nature. Gond art has elements of everyday life. The Gonds have a strong belief that seeing something positive brings good fortune. Hence, their art is about happy, positive things.

As tribals, the community has always lived in close communion with nature. This naturally finds reflection in the way they express themselves through art. So, birds, trees and animals are recurring motifs. Birds like peacocks, sparrows, and owls are popular forms in paintings.Trees with long flowing, multiple branches are also frequently seen.

Fine dots, lines and dashes are used to create the images in Gond art. The minute infilling of the motifs is a significant characteristic of Gond art. Each artist evolves his signature infilling pattern. Spiral forms are also a notable feature.