Dotted Lines

Lilesh has a master’s degree in social work. He is a farmer too. However, the identity he wishes to be known by, is that of a Gond artist.

Speaking from his home near Dindori, Madhya Pradesh, he talks about his introduction to the art. It’s no different from most of the other artisans I’ve spoken with. “My father was a Gond artist, and seeing him, my brother and I picked it up.” What seems like an automatic initiation actually involves years of apprenticeship, before the artist can showcase their solo art. Lilesh’s brother, Nikki, is an accomplished artist in his own right, and has sold many paintings over the years.

When I speak with him, it is sowing season for chana, and that is what Lilesh is doing. He tells me about the families in his village who have given up Gond. It’s a far cry from the heady days of the popularity of artists like Jangarh Singh Shyam, who was invited to create Gond murals for the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly.

However, the brothers want to see the art in every household and undertake any project: be it murals, or paintings, or handpainted traditional Gond coasters such as these.

“There is limited scope in paintings, and only a few people get to enjoy it. In murals, or small art pieces, more and more people enjoy the art form,” says Lilesh.