Mahadev-Gaura 2015

Venkat Raman Singh Shyam belongs to the Pardhān Gond people, one of the largest indigenous communities of India, whose members live across several central Indian states. The first Pardhān Gond artist to gain international recognition was Jangarh Singh Shyam (1962–2001), Venkat Shyam’s uncle and mentor. Venkat began painting at the age of ten, combining intricate patterning and reference to Pardhān Gond folklore and mythology to explore new subjects and techniques. This painting depicts Mahadev (another name for Shiva) and his consort Gaura (another name for Parvati). Richly rendered with layers of repeated motifs and vivid design, the scene indicates how indigenous communities have incorporated aspects of Hinduism into their culture and belief over time.