Wonderful paintings of female folk artists

Womenfolk of different tribal communities in India seek inspiration and imagination from centuries-old traditions, festivals, auspicious occasions and religious ceremonies to produce mesmerizing artworks. Saffronart features many of them in its Folk & Tribal Art online Auction 2013.

Tara Devi Phul Jha - Ram, Laxman…

The Mithila region (Madhubani in Bihar) is known for womenfolk who have been creating devotional and ceremonial floor paintings and murals. They employ simple brushes made of bamboo and raw cotton, and natural vegetable and mineral colors to depict nature and mythological scenes. The artists’ techniques are devoid of any stylistic influences and use their own imaginations and thoughts to convey their ideas. Strong forms, double outlines and flat fields of vivid color mark this style.

Pushpa Kumari

The granddaughter of Maha Sundari Devi, one of the first artists to bring Madhubani or Mithila art to the fore, it was only natural for her to continue the tradition. What makes her work unique is that although her style is rooted in a centuries-old tradition, she incorporates not only contemporary ideas and treatment, but also, an artistic intensity and an aesthetic ideal truly her own.

Nankusia Shyam 

Having learnt to paint from her husband Jangarh Singh Shyam, she developed a keen interest in her natural surroundings that she began to showcase in her paintings. She often paints the animals she vividly remembers from her childhood days. Nankusia has travelled extensively, exhibiting her work in Japan, France, Sri Lanka and the UAE besides India.

Bhuri Bai

She started painting at a very young age, completing her first mural at the age of ten. When she was young, Bhuri Bai would visit the local fairs that travelled to her village, and the colors she saw at these events inspired her to paint on paper and canvas using a distinctive, vibrant palette.

Durga Bai

She learnt the art of 'digna' or the traditional designs of painting on walls and floors during festivals and other occasions, from her mother at a very young age. She began experimenting with different floral patterns and figures, later focusing on depicting the folktales she heard from her grandmother and various tribal deities. After marrying Subhash Vyam, the two moved to Bhopal, where they were encouraged by Jangarh Singh Shyam.