Ethnic Encounters

Anuradha Thakur’s paintings explore the life of tribal people and she presents it with a kaleidoscopic view,where her artistic eyes zoom in and out through patterns,colours,rhythms of individuals,tribes,communities and cultures. Thakur began her interaction with tribal people when she organised art workshops with the Gond tribals in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli area. According to her,the interaction gave her valuable insight into their way of life and they became the subject of her work. “Realms of Ethnicity” is the title of her series of paintings that transcends her actual experiences with the tribal tradition. The collection mainly includes paintings that describe the life and culture of tribal communities from different parts of India. Thakur’s journey’s to Rajasthan,Gujarat,Maharashtra and Assam enabled her to recognise and highlight the disciplined creativity that throbs in the rhythm of their lives. Her works pulsate with that life force. The region,its beauty,daily life,dance forms,footwork,costumes,hairdos,prints,ornaments and musical instruments — Thakur brings it all on her canvas in a riot of colours. Thakur’s signature style is the use of black and white that defines strength,complemented by earthy colours that subdue the black,bringing to life delicate emotions. The textures in her paintings are created by thin black lines.

The exhibition is on at the museum gallery till Sector 10,till today.