All over the world, indigenous people and tribal communities carry forward a rich legacy of stories, traditions and visual artistry that is integral to their culture, more so than the spoken language. Through pictorial representations based on strong ties to the land, Indian tribal communities such as Gond, Bheel and Warli from Central India and Mithila communities in Bihar, have been using various forms of art to document seasons, animals and spirits that reside in nature and their community’s belief systems.
Fables of the Earth is a uniqueinitiativeby the Ojas Art Gallery and #ArtMatters to draw support for the numerous indigenous (tribal and traditional) artists, who for centuries have been preserving our stories through their craft. Keeping the creators and their narratives at the forefront, Fables of the Earth provides art enthusiasts an opportunitytoexplore Indian indigenous art within the digital realm like never before. It includes an online sale of select artworks and a specially curated virtual exhibition, giving connoisseurs a channel of interaction with the artists and their craft as well as a chance to contribute by purchasing some spectacular works of art. The showcase focuses on four art forms ‑ Gond, Madhubani-Mithila, Bheel and Warli- with the aim to raise money for those involved. Each art form features award-winning artists, renowned in their field for carrying forward their legacy and for carving out a contemporary idiom with respect to their work. An ode to their brilliance, Fables of the Earth is a celebration of their diverse cultures, giving us a glimpse into their day-to-day lives, beliefs, dreams, struggles and aspirations.
