Tribal Zone

In these villages,the artist would interact,photograph and make quick sketches. He used these visual “notes” later to create artwork. A young shepherd resting under a tree,a proud,moustached mukhiya smoking a hookah and a pensive villager sitting aimlessly — his portraits showcase the mood and lifestyle of the rural Maharashtra. Khollam says that these tribes such as the Bhil,Gond-Madia,Katkari,Koli,Oraon and Warli are the flagbearers of Indian culture. Their lifestyle,he says,holds many lessons for the rest of the country. “Their attire,dialect,folklore,customs and practices show that they have a rich cultural heritage that is distinctly different from other social groups’. Old traditions such as worship of nature in different forms,animal sacrifices during religious ceremonies and adorning head with horns are still in practice,” he says. Khollam’s collection of 32 paintings based on this theme,which is on display at Malaka Spice,took almost three months to complete.

Khollam has used waterproof ink on handmade paper to make these paintings. He also does illustrations for calendars and cartoons,and specialises in large-scale memory drawings.

But all his artwork display one trademark sign — a large tika on the characters’ foreheads. “I think it is one of the most important tradition from the Indian culture. In Maharashtra,whenever a couple gets married,the first thing they do is visit village deities and put on vermillion and a turmeric tika. It brings good luck. And that is why I call it ‘the golden point’ in my paintings,” explains Khollam.

Rajeshekhar Khollam’s artwork will be displayed at Malaka Spice,Lane 5,off North Main Road,Pune,till March 15.