A sample of art with a message at its best, the paintings tell vivid stories of disappearing tribal cultures. In shades of green and blue they convey what we all need to know: Saving tribal culture is important.
It's common knowledge that with growing urbanisation, forests are disappearing and along with them many tribal communities are losing their homes and giving up their culture and tradition. But not willing to give up yet is a government arts college teacher from Nelamangala , who has devoted 10 years of his life to creating awareness about the rich tribal culture of the state through his paintings.
Appasaheb Ganiger, 46, from Kudachi in Belgaum district, began his artistic journey when he was just 16. Over the years he became concerned about the increased threat to Janapada folklore, and began to focus on the tribal culture of Karnataka in a mission to create more awareness about it through his unique art form , Acrylic on Canvas. His many paintings bring to life the fast disappearing cultures of the Channadasaru tribes, the Bhajantri community in Mudhol, the Kurabas, and many others.
“We have to save our roots. As people become more educated they tend to move away from their roots. Many youngsters from these tribes are giving up their culture and tradition. And like it or not we are responsible for the survival of our tribal culture. This is one attempt to create awareness and keep the traditions alive,” explains the artist, who has taken Karnataka tribal culture to several cities and states through his art exhibitions.
