In the intricate art of the Gond tribal community of Central India, decorative patterns fill the surface of images in amazing profusions. Originally executed on walls and floors, Gond art has since found its way onto paper and canvas. Artists work with inherited conventions, but inflect these in distinctive ways - one of the most striking instances is in the use of patterns.
Each pattern is different from the others, and each is unique to a particular artist. A Gond artist uses these carefully chosen signs as individual markers - so a pattern is his or her identifying signature. It is not just an aesthetic sign, but a valued symbol of memories and stories that an artist cherishes.
Playing brilliantly on the skill, imagination, and meaning inherent in Gond patterning, Signature offers a unique compendium of Gond artists - ranging from well-known ones like Bhajju Shyam and Durga Bai, to emerging teenage talents.
See some example pages from Signature under the Resources tab
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