In early 2015, we started the conversation on Bhajju’s solo show. He had had solo shows overseas, but
this was to be his first solo show in India. He immediately decided to dedicate it to his mother.
As the conversation on the solo show went ahead, I wanted to work on something special with Bhajju.
Something that was his but he had not experimented with artistically. Gond art is well known for its
vibrant color palette and detailed filling. Bhajju had experimented with monochromatic works in black
ink, which are very detailed and elaborate.
To progress with his monochromatic works we started experimenting and started the process at the
other end of the spectrum with white-on-white, meaning white ink on white paper. The thematic and
visual imagery remained the same but the works now looked completely different. The work was hardly
visible and Bhajju did not like the result. The next experiment was to retain the monochromatic character
but change the color. Bhajju suggested adding a yellow. The result was not satisfactory. Each one of these
experiments took two-three weeks between him making it and bringing the artwork to Delhi.
Through these experiments, we stumbled upon grey. Bhajju created a work in a single color tone of
grey. We were discussing the work and he came up with an idea of introducing some lighter shades of grey
as well and the result exceeded our expectations. Bhajju has developed a series of works in grey. These
artworks have a certain fluidity which gives them a delicacy that is not seen in the colored or black ink
works.
This exhibition has been a complete labor of love for all of us at the gallery, and we look forward to
hosting more such meaningful exhibitions and presenting the best indigenous artists.