Kolkata, August 29 (ANI): An exhibition of paintings in Kolkata showcased tribal and ethnic art forms of different regions of India. The exhibition called ‘Art of the Tribal Folk’ featured the work of 21 artists from Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal. For the artists, their work is a reflection of their heritage passed down from generation to generation. Folklore, aboriginal and religious beliefs feature in each of the paintings. Organiser of the event, Surva Choudhary, said while originally most paintings were made using natural substances like turmeric and henna on mud surfaces, modern day painters use other materials. Traditionally, these pictographs were made during festive occasions. They served multiple purposes like appeasing of gods, promoting fertility, warding off evil spirits and preventing disease. Now they have evolved into narratives with religious and sometimes contemporary themes.In bringing together various art forms from different parts of India, ‘Art of the Tribal Folk’ aims to preserve not only the traditions of such art forms but also the plurality of Indian culture.
