Vibrant Retrospective Celebrates Late Tribal Artist Jodhaiya Bai Baiga's Legacy
The walls of Ojas Art gallery in Delhi have been transformed into a canvas of vivid colors and profound storytelling through the exhibition Bloom at Dusk. This major retrospective, curated by Minhazz Majumdar, features more than 50 paintings by the late artist Jodhaiya Bai Baiga, who was posthumously honored with the Padma Shri award in 2023. The exhibition serves as a powerful tribute to an artist whose work beautifully bridges traditional tribal motifs with contemporary environmental and social commentary.
Sacred Motifs from the Forests of Madhya Pradesh
Jodhaiya Bai's art is deeply rooted in the natural world surrounding her village in Umaria district, Madhya Pradesh. Her paintings prominently feature two recurring and sacred motifs:
- Bageswar (The Tiger God): A symbol of protection and reverence for the Baiga tribe, representing the spiritual connection between indigenous communities and the forest's majestic wildlife.
- The Mahua Tree: Emblematic of sustenance and regeneration, this tree holds cultural and economic significance, providing nourishment and livelihood to tribal populations.
These elements are not merely decorative but serve as narrative anchors, weaving stories of ecological interdependence and cultural resilience.
Defying Categorization: Traditional Roots, Contemporary Voice
While Jodhaiya Bai drew inspiration from traditional Baiga art forms, her approach was strikingly modern. She transformed everyday observations from life in Umaria into poignant artistic statements that resonate with universal themes. A prime example is her work The Burning of Bandhavgarh, which addresses the escalating crisis of forest fires and environmental degradation. Through this painting, she highlights the devastating impact on indigenous communities whose identities and survival are inextricably linked to their natural surroundings.
Her artistic vision has garnered international recognition, with exhibitions in cultural hubs like Milan and Paris. As the curatorial note eloquently states, "Her paintings endure as songs of resilience—vibrant, intuitive and inseparable from the sacred world that shaped her."
An Inspiring Late Bloomer: The Artist's Remarkable Journey
Jodhaiya Bai's artistic journey is a testament to the timeless nature of creativity. She faced considerable hardships, supporting herself by selling wood and cow dung. Tragedy struck in her 60s with the death of her husband, a laborer. It was only at the age of 67 that a serendipitous encounter with the late artist Ashish Swami ignited her passion for painting.
Swami, an alumnus of Santiniketan's Kala Bhavana, operated the Jangan Tasveer Khana studio in the nearby village of Lorha. Under his guidance, Jodhaiya Bai began to learn and explore painting, embarking on a prolific second act that would define her legacy. The current exhibition is presented in association with the Ashish Swami Centre for Arts and the Ramchander Nath Foundation, honoring this transformative mentorship.
Evolution of Style: From Gourds to Canvas
Her artistic evolution is marked by a gradual shift in mediums. She initially worked with clay and painted on gourds, later transitioning to acrylics on paper and canvas. This progression allowed her to fully express the luminosity and vibrancy that characterize her mature works.
Notable pieces in the exhibition include:
- Kaitha ka ped, baaghin aur uske bache (2023): A masterpiece celebrated for its exuberant color palette and depiction of harmonious coexistence between a tigress with her cubs and forest birds.
- Bholenath aur Mahua ka Ped: An experimental work playing with scale, presenting the deity in a larger-than-life form that commands reverence and awe.
These paintings underscore her ability to convey complex ecological and spiritual narratives with simplicity and emotional depth.
A Legacy of Resilience and Creative Awakening
Jodhaiya Bai Baiga's art transcends her lifetime, offering more than aesthetic pleasure. It stands as a powerful reminder that creative expression knows no age limits. Her own words encapsulate this belief: "Paints can help change your life." Her journey from a life of struggle to becoming an acclaimed artist inspires others to discover and nurture their innate creativity, regardless of circumstance or age.
The exhibition Bloom at Dusk is on view at Ojas Art, Delhi, until March 11. The gallery remains closed on Mondays, allowing visitors ample opportunity to experience this celebration of indigenous artistry and environmental consciousness.
