Bhopal: Art lovers are drawn to the Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum’s Likhndra Gallery, where the 68th Shalaka Tribal Art Exhibition is showcasing the vibrant work of young Gond tribal artist, Surendra Tekam. The exhibit, which runs from December 3 to December 30, features paintings imbued with the artist’s philosophy that “every living being has a soul, and that very sensibility comes alive in the lines of art.”
Weaving stories with dots and natural colors
Tekam shared that his inspiration flows directly from the natural environment: the jungle, mountains, animals, and birds surrounding him. He strictly adheres to the traditional Gond style, utilizing intricate dots, lines, and patterns.
He primarily uses natural, earthy colors like red, black, yellow, and green, which evoke memories of his childhood and the scent of the forest. Tekam aims to weave the life of nature into his paintings “like a story,” giving it a unique identity. He explained that this highly detailed style requires great patience, often taking many hours to complete a single painting. To sustain himself, Tekam continues to paint in his village, engaging in farming and teaching the traditional Gond art form to children.
