His most notable exhibitions include the Magiciens de la terre in Paris

Born in 1962 in Madhya Pradesh, India, Jangarh Singh Shyam belonged to a Pradhan Gond community. Growing up in abject poverty, Jangarh had to quit school and take up farming as his profession. However, he continued painting as a part of the larger ritualistic practices, where at the age of 16 he was ‘discovered’ by the acclaimed artist Jagdish Swaminathan whilst painting the walls of the huts at Patangarh with traditional motifs. Swaminathan was greatly moved by the colours, motifs and forms in Jangarh’s work and brought him to Bharat Bhawan Bhopal. Thus began his life-long tryst of an artistic career. 

Jangarh’s work is characterized by unconventional colours and textures, intricate patterns and symbolic representation of nature and mythological figures. His compositions often featured mythical creatures like birds, animals, and deities portrayed with a sense of dynamism and fluidity. The intricate patterns and repetitive motifs in his work symbolized the interplay of life, nature, and spirituality, encapsulating the essence of the Gond belief system. 

Using natural pigments and brushes made from natural materials, he was one of the first artists from the community to create works on a variety of surfaces, including paper, canvas and walls. His work helped bridge a gap between traditional tribal art and the contemporary art world. His ability to convey complex narratives through a unique visual language resonated with audiences worldwide, challenging the boundaries of artistic expression and fostering cultural understanding. This peculiar style would eventually be called the Jangarh Kalam. 

Over a short career span of about 3 decades, Jangarh Singh Shyam’s work saw national and international acclaim. His murals are on the ceilings of Bharat Bhawan Bhopal, participation in shows such as Magiciens de la Terre exhibition at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and his participation in an arts program called the Other Masters at the Crafts Museum, curated by Jyotindra Jain as few of the major exhibitions his work saw participation in. He passed away in 2001, but in a short span he immortalized the rich traditions of the Gond community, elevating them to global recognition. 

 

Shikhar Samman