Bhuri Bai: An Inspiring Story of a Bhil Artist

Her Story in her own words

It’s on the tip of my tongue when I had decided to leave Jhabu in search of livelihood and set foot in Bhopal. It changed my life from a laborer to an artist. For an old person belonging to a conservative community, it was hard for me to make my dreams known. So I decide to go on an excursion where life wants to take me.

To make an entrance in Bhopal was like getting blood out of a stone as it was my first time when I come out from Jhabua. I started working as a laborer in Baharat Bhavan where famous Indian artist Jagdish Swaminathan spotted an artist in me. While working on the side I used to draw Bhil art on the ground that I learned in my childhood by seeing my father. But he never allowed me to paint it as in tribal only men are allowed to stroke it.

Interaction with Jagdish Swaminathan at Bharat Bhawan

When painter Swaminathan asked me to paint, I painted Bhil art. It was appreciated by him. He asked me to make more paintings. I was afraid because at that time it was more important for me to provide food to my children than to flaunt with my art. Swaminathan assured me that my paintings can fetch me more wages than what I earn as a laborer. Thus began my journey. 

This inspiring story of Bhuri Bai is shared by her to cater it to the world. She is now known as a renowned contemporary artist and internationally recognized practitioner of the Bhil folk art form. Presently, she works on the stage of Tribal Museum, where she has even painted the story of her life on a 70 feet wall. She also visited several other countries to showcase her collection.

Awards received by Bhuri Bai

• The highest award ‘Shikhar Samman’ [1986-1987] from the government of Madhya Pradesh.
• In 1998, Ahilya Sanman by Madhya Pradesh government,
• Painting ‘Story of Jungle’ was auctioned at Sotheby’s in 2007.
• Got featured in DD News [English], ‘Ab Ke Baras Mohe Bitia Hi Dijo’. 

Themes Painted by Bhuri Bai

She is an incredible artist of the oldest tribal art form that is Bhil art. She was the first person in her community to start painting on paper. Her ideas convey many of the things like mythological themes, bucolic scenes, and man-animal interaction. 

Not only in India, but in galleries and museums of Europe, Australia, and United States, she displayed her painting “Story of the Jungle” which was sold at a Sotheby’s auction in 2007.

The painting of Bhuri Bai covers urban areas their livelihood which consists of airplanes, cars, bus and other objects of daily life. Beginning from her humble origins, Bhuri Bai is a doyen of the Indian art landscape today.

The first person account based on the conversation between the painter and the author