An exhibition featuring the works of Gond tribal artist Santoshi Shyam is currently underway at the Tribal museum in the state capital.Single artist exhibitions, under the 'Shalaka' series, are held every month at the Likhandra exhibition gallery of the museum.
The single artist shows present tribal folk artists with an opportunity to show and sell their work to connoisseurs.Young Gond artist Santoshi Shyam was born in Patangarh, a tribal-dominated area of Dindori district of the state, but was raised and educated in Bhopal.
Her father, Narmadaprasad Tekam, was a renowned Gond artist and hails from the family of the late Janardhansingh Shyam. Thus, she inherited the traditional Gond painting legacy.
She is married to fellow young Gond artist Rajendra Kumar Shyam and currently resides in Bhopal. They have two children, one of whom has a disability that requires special attention, making it challenging for her to devote much time to her art.
Santoshi, however, remains committed to preserving the artistic tradition and actively assists her husband with his work.
She has participated in several solo and group art exhibitions and has received various awards for her outstanding work, including the Kalidasa Award. She credits her success to her father, Narmadaprasad Tekam, whose continuous encouragement has refined her art which often features depictions of wild animals and birds.
