Folk and tribal arts in India have long been undermined as a serious art form and dismissed as a mere craft tradition. The indigenous artists of this genre are highly skilled in their craft and vividly bring to life pages from India’s rich cultural past stemming from the ritualistic, every day life and social practices prevalent in their surroundings. In fact, folk and tribal art in various forms,
is a visual documentation of India’s historical cultural heritage. Unfortunately, lack of patronage forced these artists to abandon their art and look for alternative means of livelihood. Arts of the Earth, an exclusive gallery dedicated to the folk and tribal arts of India, is the only one of its kind in Delhi. It was started with the objective of reviving and popularising these art forms by showcasing it in a gallery space, thus making it lucrative for the artists to continue with their art and saving these art forms from fading into oblivion. It is our aim to draw these artists out of obscurity and in to the lime light and to eventually bring their art form on an equal footing with mainstream art. Since it’s inception in October 2010, Arts of the Earth has held various exhibitions in it’s gallery premises, including Santhal Scrolls and the rare Chakshudan paintings, Old Photographs (including Bourne & Shephard), Saura paintings from Orissa, Folk & Tribal paintings of India and the ongoing Gond Paintings, amongst others. We will continue to exhibit the indigenous art & craft traditions of every state in India, including sculptures, pottery, textiles, puppets, masks, walking sticks, musical instruments, jewellery etc. Arts of the Earth will also showcase popular art, as in cinema posters, stills, lobby cards, old photographs, old cigarette cards, match box covers, oleographs etc.
