The forgotten tribal art form of Gond comes alive in Sukhnandi Vyan's story-telling sculptures that tell tales of dog fathers, fox mothers and more

The forgotten tribal art form of Gond comes alive in Sukhnandi Vyan's story-telling sculptures that tell tales of dog fathers, fox mothers and more

Dog father, Fox mother and their daughter will be pleased to have you over. Of course, after you stop being astounded about where they come from. According to an old tribal legend, a fox and a dog became friends, mated and gave birth to girl child. Dog father begged in the village closeby, collected food leftovers and clothes from women bathing in the river. That's how they brought up their girl and got her married.

Sukhnandi Vyam with some of his sculptures, a sculpture depicting the
Fox and Dog story

Fox mother, on the other hand, stayed in the forest since everyone hunted about for her. So she never saw her child. One day, she sneaked out to meet her daughter, but unknowingly, the latter killed her mother. The grain that Fox mom had kept for her daughter then turned into jewels. Thus, the daughter and her husband got rich and lived happily ever after. Or so say the Gondis, an ancient adivasi tribe from Madhya Pradesh. And sculpt these stories, nature, religion and myths in their art.u00a0

Pradhan Gond artist Sukhnandi Vyan, for instance, brings alive the musical Bana tradition in a 3D avatar in his works. While most of Sukhnandi's colleagues moved towards canvas and digital paintings, he was busy keeping his culture. "It was difficult for me to carry on with this career. And I am very disappointed that this art has still not found its place in the society," he laments.

Found and lost
Gond art, as explained by the people behind it, is a form of prayer to various Gods and spirits. Forests, trees and animals play prominent subjects. The main medium used is Sagvan wood. And, it is uninhibited. "Almost 10 years back, an American artist came to me and asked me to make a nude sculpture of him. He gave me an advance amount, his business card, and said he wanted the piece to be shipped to him. Unfortunately, I lost his card. I wish I could meet him," he signs off hopefully. Since the chances are bleak, be there to make him a happy man again!

Dog father Fox mother and their daughter
Where: W+S Exp, B - 10, Triveni Complex, Sheikh Sarai, Ph - I
On till: April 27, Timings: 11 am to 7 pm