Artist Anil Chaitya Vangad, a member of India’s Warli tribe, known for their unique artistic and cultural traditions that remain virtually unknown in the United States, will speak about and present a demonstration of his work on Tuesday, Sept. 27 from 12 to 1 p.m. in the Carleton College Weitz Center for Creativity, room 148. This event is free and open to the public.
The Warli have traditionally lived in forested areas of western India north of Mumbai, where they practice a unique philosophy that reveres the land as a source of infinite creative energy; today, like indigenous peoples around the world, they are struggling to strike a balance between their traditional culture and the pressures and opportunities of a globalizing world. Their folk paintings, traditionally done in rice paste on the adobe walls of their homes, use a richly textured style that combines bold simplicity with striking detail to celebrate the balance of life lived in meaningful coexistence with nature. In recent years, the mainstream art world of India has begun to take notice of Warli artists and bring Warli forms to broader attention within India and the world.
Anil Chaitya Vangard, who hails from Ganjad Village, represents the third generation of artists in his family. His work has been exhibited across India since 1991, including shows at prominent galleries, although to date American audiences have had few opportunities to enjoy his work. He is also noted for his work in commissioned murals. Vangard will speak on life in a traditional Warli family compound, the philosophy and cosmology of the Warli, as well as on his own artistic works. Vangard maintains about blog about his lifestyle and his art at http://addiwashi.blogspot.com/.
This event is sponsored by the Carleton College Department of Religion. For further information and disability accommodations, call (507) 222-4232 or contact ssaari@carleton.edu. The Weitz Center for Creativity is located at 620 North Third Street in Northfield.
