A Tribute to Indian Women Artists in Traditional Folk and Tribal Art
September 27th to October 1st 2025
11am to 7pm
The Art Gallery, Bikaner House, New Delhi
Art Tree is proud to present VAMA – The Strength Within, an exhibition honouring Stree Shakti—the power of womanhood—through India’s richest folk and tribal art traditions. Scheduled from 27th September to 1st October at The Art Gallery, Bikaner House, New Delhi, the showcase features rare and specially commissioned works by 18 women artists across art forms such as Madhubani, Warli, Gond, Chamba Rumaal, Sohrai, Pattachitra, Cheriyal, Mandana, Bhil, and Phulkari.
Rooted in its commitment to preserving India’s indigenous artistic legacy, VAMA – The Strength Within unfolds as an immersive experience that coincides with the auspicious period of Navratras. The exhibition celebrates the creative force of women artists who have served as both custodians and innovators of cultural heritage. Many of the participants are Padma Shri and National Award recipients, whose works channel stories of resilience, transformation, and divine feminine energy.
The exhibition will feature works by national awardees and master artists such as Durga Bai and Nankusia Bai (Gond), Gangu Bai, Lado Bai and Bhuri Bai (Bhil), Anita Kumari (Chamba Rumaal), Juliet from Hazari Bagh Trust (Sohrai-Ledra), Swarna Chitrakar and Kalpana Chitrakar (Pattachitra), Vidya Devi (Mandana), Manisha Jha, Urmila Devi and Chandrakala Devi (Madhubani), Mamta Bongya and Shushti Bongya (Warli), D. Vanaja and D. Padma (Cheriyal), and Kiran and Veerpal (Phulkari).
Each of these artists brings a distinct narrative drawn from their local ecosystems, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the spiritual, cultural, and social dimensions of India’s living art traditions.
Ms. Pragati Agarwal, Founder and Managing Director of Art Tree shares, “Women have long been the silent torchbearers of indigenous art in India—transmitting knowledge, techniques, and stories through generations. Their contributions, though foundational, often remain overlooked. Through VAMA, we celebrate their talent, resilience, and artistic integrity. Many of these women have overcome deep socio-cultural barriers to emerge as pioneers in their fields. This exhibition is our tribute to their journeys, their triumphs, and the vibrant spirit of Shakti that they embody.”
About Art Tree
Founded over a decade ago, Art Tree is dedicated to nurturing and showcasing India’s Traditional and Contemporary art forms. Through curated exhibitions, educational workshops, symposiums, and public engagements, Art Tree seeks to deepen appreciation for the diverse artistic legacies of India and provide a platform for emerging and established artists alike.
