Tracing ethnic Tribes...

Tracing ethnic Tribes...

Mumbai-based artist Rekha Rana, in her seventh solo show, displays her paintings and installations that refer to the odds faced by people in Jharkhand

Aptly titled Broken Wings and Brazen Valley, artist Rekha Rana's ongoing solo exhibition in the city is a tribute to the state of Jharkand. Her love for her state is invariably reflected in her lavish art works. "The culture of Jharkhand traces the traditions of the tribal society of India, also remaining unperturbed by the trends of modernization. Rather it asserts its originality and ethnicity and continues to do so," says Rekha. In Broken Wings and Brazen Valleys, Rekha showcases her recent art works which are entirely dedicated to Jharkhand. Hailing from Jharkhand itself, Rekha has surveyed the whole of the state particularly the naxalite belt. The paintings include many folk musical instruments like sarangi, tulia, vyang, anandlahari, bansuri, dhak, mandar, etc, which are on the path of extinction. Only a local few tribes are still using these in their lives. Moreover, the tribes of Jharkhand also have their unique spiritual notions called Sarna Parasnath. "Music, dance, lifestyle, art are the torchbearers of this trend of cultural tradition. I have tried to paint this peculiar lifestyle to create awareness," she adds. The installations, however, refer to the odds faced by the people in naxal hit areas. Says Rekha, "Their life has become bed of thorns. Their physical conditions are deplorable, marred by day to day violence and unrest. They are also abreast with the double jeopardy of underdevelopment and chaos."