Suresh Kumar Dhurve’s favorite subject is the tree of life, and he often presents trees almost like a totem pole, erect and still, surrounded by human figures. He features different kinds of birds too, while his signature pattern is fish scales and drops of water. Each painting takes him anywhere from ten hours to three days.
Gond art comes with the belief that a good image brings good luck. This inherent belief led the Gonds to decorate their houses and floors with traditional tattoos and motifs. Today, Gond art products such as Gond painting on wood, painted wooden trays and boxes have become extremely popular globally.
Hearteningly, Gond art hasn’t escaped the eye of gond painting the art connoisseurs in the country. The Indian government is making efforts to preserve Gond painting. Other well-wishers have gone a step further, and created the Must Art Gallery– the world’s first art gallery dedicated to Gond art. Unlike so many treasures of Indian culture that have slipped through the cracks of time and were lost forever, the future of Gond art looks as vibrant and colorful as the paintings.
For more of Suresh’s paintings visit: Fine art America and Artweb Gallerie
References: http://www.gondtribalart.com/, Handmade in India – An Encyclopedia on Crafts of India.
Editor’s Note: Suresh Kumar Dhurve will be conducting a Gond painting workshop during Hands of Grace. Besides Gond art, workshops on Sanjhi Paper Art, Madhubani Painting, hand-block printing, clay modeling/pottery and traditional flower garland-making will also be conducted.
Image courtesy: Work of Gond artist – Jangarh Singh Shyam displayed at the Musee du Quain Branly from dalbera
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