This collection of 80 paintings is an expression of both introspection and processing the world around her. Shilpa Mridul reinvents the traditional language of Gond art, of dots and dashes as a medium to express contemporary themes ranging from the mass migration of labourers triggered by the pandemic, to wildlife conservation. Divided into 10 series, we see a deep probe into an array of landscapes that inspired the artist to pick up a brush, chronicling a myriad of illustrations that delve into the joyous as well as the grim. We get an exclusive peek into the process of an artist that takes a traditional style and makes it her own with her distinctive creative sensibilities, with pieces inspired by the traditional motifs of the Gond form, along with pieces that reconceptualise the style. In doing so, she seamlessly tethers the present with the past. A recurring theme in her work is hope, manifested in vibrant and vivacious colours. It can be found muddled in the stark reality of our times, but also in fleeting moments of refuge in nature. Her work is adamant to draw your eye to the flicker of light nestled inside every human experience.   

About the Artist

Shilpa Mridul is a multidisciplinary artist, having worked in theatre, fashion design, interior design, among many other domains. A common thread that connected these stints was her commitment to work with local artisans and craftspeople, especially women. Through her initiative with The Jodhpur Lore, she continues to contribute to the promotion and preservation of local and indigenous arts and crafts. Her art is a collective of the creative energy from various sources, amalgamating into a burst of vivid, thought-provoking pieces. Dedicated to exploring her craft from as many angles as possible, she also conducts theatre and art workshops for both children and adults to make alternative and artistic expression accessible for those who seek it. She is also a mental health practitioner, and deploys art as a tool for therapy.  

Her style of painting is Gond, a traditional tribal style that originated in central India dating back 1400 years. Guided by the belief that every element of nature is inhabited by a spirit, Gond as an art form explores the movement of life in still images using dots and dashes. Motifs from nature, mythology and legends are used to express nuanced emotions, aspirations and imaginative storytelling. Shilpa Mridul lends her artistic personality to the ancient form in exploring and depicting life and events unfolding every day.