Maa Matre

In early 2015, we started the conversation on Bhajju’s solo show. He had had solo shows overseas, but this was to be his first solo show in India. He immediately decided to dedicate it to his mother. As the conversation on the solo show went ahead, I wanted to work on something special with Bhajju. Something that was his but he had not experimented with artistically. Gond art is well known for its vibrant color palette and detailed filling. Bhajju had experimented with monochromatic works in black ink, which are very detailed and elaborate. To progress with his monochromatic works we started experimenting and started the process at the other end of the spectrum with white-on-white, meaning white ink on white paper. The thematic and visual imagery remained the same but the works now looked completely different. The work was hardly visible and Bhajju did not like the result. The next experiment was to retain the monochromatic character but change the color. Bhajju suggested adding a yellow. The result was not satisfactory. Each one of these experiments took two-three weeks between him making it and bringing the artwork to Delhi. Through these experiments, we stumbled upon grey. Bhajju created a work in a single color tone of grey. We were discussing the work and he came up with an idea of introducing some lighter shades of grey as well and the result exceeded our expectations. Bhajju has developed a series of works in grey. These artworks have a certain fluidity which gives them a delicacy that is not seen in the colored or black ink works. This exhibition has been a complete labor of love for all of us at the gallery, and we look forward to hosting more such meaningful exhibitions and presenting the best indigenous artists.