The Gond people, whose name stems from the Dravidian word 'Kond', meaning 'green mountain', are an ancient tribal community primarily residing in the verdant terrains of central India. Their culture, spanning nearly 1400 years, is deeply intertwined with nature; a connection that’s vividly portrayed in their renowned Gond paintings. These artworks, adorned with mystical motifs capture the essence of the natural world, from chameleons and peacocks to the revered 'Tree of Life'. Utilizing natural pigments derived from flowers, stones, and other earthly materials, Gond artists practice their craft in reverence to their gods; illustrating the harmony and interdependence that exists among all living beings.

Growing up in the Gond community, Hyderabad-based multidisciplinary artist Harsh Raj Gond was surrounded by the bright colours, bold outlines, and rhythmic patterns that characterize this traditional art form. With roots in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Harsh's journey from a traditional and tribal background to the forefront of modern design and filmmaking had a purpose rooted in actualizing and expressing the love he has for his cultural heritage.

As a designer, one of the artist's recent projects is a typeface that blends the traditional motifs of Gond art with modern design principles, creating a unique and timeless font. With each letter incorporating intricate animal figures inspired by the works of artists from Patangarh village, a hub of Gond artistry, the typeface won the Paris Design Awards 2024 for Typography in the Graphic Design category.

"The font is a blend of customized forms and strokes that enhance its beauty and intricacy," Harsh explains. "It aims to uplift the Gond art community by drawing inspiration from their work and animal figures."

This project is not just about preserving an art form but also about bringing it into contemporary design, making it accessible and relevant to a broader audience. By integrating Gond art into digital and print media, Harsh ensures that this traditional craft finds new life and appreciation in the modern world.

Gond art, known for its storytelling, depicts a myriad of subjects - from animals and nature to mythology and everyday life, which goes hand in hand with the folklore in the community. Each piece is a visual narrative where customized and idolized figures are brought to life through the unique styles of individual artists. Through the art, the community shares the stories of its people and culture.

Harsh’s short documentary film, ‘The Legacy from Beyond’ is a look into the lives of Gond artists in Patangarh village. The 26-minute film explores the daily struggles and passions of these artists, who balance their love for art with the harsh realities of farming and other labor-intensive jobs to sustain their livelihoods.

"Visiting Patangarh, I realized the immense challenges these artists face," Harsh shares. "They struggle with basic needs like housing, water, and electricity. The income from their paintings is often insufficient."

The documentary highlights the resilience and dedication of the Gond artists, who continue to create despite these challenges. It has garnered recognition at various film festivals, both nationally and internationally, bringing much-needed attention to both the plight and artistry of the Gond community.

Currently, Harsh is studying screenplay writing at FTII Pune and is working on a new short film script. He plans to incorporate themes of Gond art, tribal culture, and traditional approaches into his future projects as well in order to further showcase the authentic storytelling and cultural value of these ancient art forms.

Harsh Raj Gond's documentary is a call to action. The struggles of folk artists to keep an ancient craft alive only reflects how our priorities has shifted as a society. With art getting intertwined with the digital era, the simplicity and humility that can be found in stories of man and nature, which Gond art mostly consists of, has been unfairly been labled as ‘rudimentary’. But that's only because we’ve lost our connection with our natural insticts to a point where a remedy to our existential ennui is literally to ‘touch grass’. Harsh’s motive is to direct us towards the ethos of Gond Art and its harmony with nature. Through his artistic endeavours he wants to uplift a community that sustains a timeless craft and way of living.

"I hope people visit Patangarh, see the art, and buy original pieces," Harsh says. "By doing so, we can support the artists, help them continue their craft, and keep our culture and art thriving."

Follow Harsh here and watch the trailer for his documentary below:

Alicia Kassebohm - Beardicted