Untitled (Tree of Life)

The Untitled Gond-Pardhan painting is a Gouache and ink on paper work, made by artist Durgabai Vyam (b. 1972)

The Mahua is considered the tree of life among the Gond-Pradhans of Madhya Pradesh. It plays a central role in the rituals and ceremonies of the community. Durga Bai Vyam conveys this bond in her Untitled work. Using a repetitive pattern resembling grains of rice, she recreates an everyday scene that plays out each year during the early days of summer, when women gather fallen Mahua flowers to pickle, ferment and preserve.