Who is Jodhaiya Bai Baiga?

Jodhaiya Bai Baiga is a Padma Shri awardee known for her significant indigenous art that blends cultural memory, spirituality, and the forests of central India.

When did Jodhaiya Bai Baiga start painting?

Jodhaiya Bai Baiga began her painting career in her late sixties, transforming her lived experiences into vivid, symbol-rich art.

What awards has Jodhaiya Bai Baiga received?

Jodhaiya Bai Baiga received the Nari Shakti Puraskar in 2022 and the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2023 for her artistic contributions.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Late Bloomer: Indigenous Artist's Colors Dazzle

Late Bloomer: Indigenous Artist's Colors Dazzle

31 Jan

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Summary

Jodhaiya Bai Baiga, an indigenous artist, gained recognition late in life.
Her art blends cultural memory, spirituality, and nature from central India.
She received the Padma Shri award in 2023 for her contributions.

Late Bloomer: Indigenous Artist's Colors Dazzle

A significant exhibition, 'Bloom at Dusk,' is highlighting the profound artistic journey of Jodhaiya Bai Baiga, a celebrated Padma Shri awardee. This retrospective brings together over fifty of her luminous and symbol-rich works.

Born in 1937 in Madhya Pradesh, Baiga's artistic path began in her late sixties after discovering an arts center near her village. She transitioned from traditional crafts to acrylic painting, creating powerful visuals deeply connected to her cultural memory and the natural environment of central India.

Baiga's art is profoundly influenced by Baiga cosmology, spirituality, and ecological knowledge. Her canvases feature divine figures, ancestral spirits, and forest animals, with recurring motifs like the mahua tree and the tiger god, Baghesur. She also addresses environmental issues, bringing an indigenous perspective to contemporary concerns.