The Gonds are an indigenous community predominantly from central India, known for their rich cultural heritage and their deep connection to nature. Their art form, popularly known as Gond Art, is a reflection of this connection, depicting stories and myths of the natural world, animals, and the spirits that inhabit it. The intricate patterns and fine details in Gond art are a reflection of the Gond belief in the interconnectedness of all living things. The art form we believe could also be a way for the community to preserve its culture and traditions, passing down stories and teachings from generation to generation.
Our journey with Sachin began in Anuppur district, Madhya Pradesh. In our very first meeting, he shared his deep desire to tell stories through this art form that inspire people. This urge led to multiple attempts and collaborative mini-projects where we sat together to storyboard scenes of various folk stories from his community. The process primarily involved Sachin doing the pen work, after which we, Achyut and Apoorva from Loksutr, digitally coloured the artwork.
Amazed by both the outcome and the response to this collaboration online, Sachin and we wondered what would happen if we opened up this possibility of pushing the art form to the rest of the world ?
How would a watercolour artist living in a city take these drawings forward? Could we create an excuse for grandparents and grandchildren to spend time together? Does the involvement that making art demands the answer to stop our mind’s constant chatter? Will all this time and effort impact the world in a positive way?
The need for an open collaborative art project emerged amidst all these questions. Excited about the possibilities that could come out of this, we created this book.