Tree of Life : Contemporary interpretation of Gond Tribal art Honorable Mention

Inspired by a visit to the Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh, India - this “Tree of life” is a depiction of a forest scene characteristic of the central Indian highlands. The choice of Gond art to bring this scene to life was only natural, as the art form is endemic to the same region.
The tigress, the presiding queen of the jungle, occupies the central focus with her ever observant and keen eyes surveying the scene at all times. Other fauna such as the swamp deer (barasingha), sambar, gaur(bison) and elephants go about their business in the background. Peacocks and other birds like the wild fowl, kingfishers, owls, eagles and pigeons abound the wooded area which is interspersed with meadow areas that are grazing ground for the herbivores while also becoming the hunting ground of predators. Everything is in perfect harmony, until the tigress decides it's time for her next meal! It's usually the monkeys (langur) at the top of trees who spot any movement in the forest and signal to the rest of the fauna that the tigress is on the move.

---

---

Artist Category