বাংলায় পড়ুন
Tara Books, established in 1994, has been well known for their brand of authenticity and innovation. Over the years, it has been bringing to the forefront marginalized art and literature through a commune of artists, writers, and designers collaborating on beautifully crafted and remarkable handmade books.
The Secret Nightlife of Indian Trees is another imaginative and superbly crafted attempt to bring Gond tribal art to the limelight. This is an exquisite silkscreen-printed art book of tree lore from the Gond tribe in Central India. Gond art is a form of painting from folk and tribal art practiced by the Gond tribe, predominantly from Madhya Pradesh, but also found in pockets of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Chhatisgarh, and Orissa. The work of Gond artists is rooted in their folk tales and culture, and this story-telling is a strong element of every painting.
Three such talented artists, Bhajju Shyam, Durga Bai, and Ram Singh Urveti, have illustrated their folk lore and beliefs with intricate designs in this book. Their illustrations have a strong visual appeal and are resplendent with colours. Using vegetable and mineral dyes, charcoal, coloured soil, and more, their illustrations involve local flora, fauna, and Gods. According to the beliefs and mythology of the Gond tribe, trees nourish and protect during the day, and during the night they have a life of their own. Each tree has its own peculiar life at night and the illustrations in this book depict the same. Screen printed by hand on hand-made black paper, the aesthetic beauty of these illustrations is a visual treat.
Some of the stories are quite fascinating. For example, Mahua tree is depicted as the Tree of Intoxication. Gonds make liquor from this tree and if mixed in small amounts with certain herbs, it can be used as a medicine. Similarly, the Bamur tree is called the Silkworm’s Home in which silkworms are believed to reside and weave wonderful threads which are later used to make plain clothes and yarn.
Such beliefs are the basis of these depictions. The copy of this book is a true worthy collection for any art enthusiast.
