Bhil Artists Of Madhya Pradesh
GOMA PARGI – BHIL ARTIST of RAJASTHAN
Goma Pargi passed away in July 2006, at the age of 70, leaving behind a world of art, which today provides inspiration to his son, Bhima Pargi and other artists. Goma Pargi had been painting on the walls of houses and small temples since he was 10. He began using the modern painting materials in 1984. His great grandfather, Chattra Pargi, grandfather, Rupa Pargi and his father, Narayan Pargi, were well known artists, and their works can still be seen on the walls of houses and temples. His grandmother, Udi Pargi, used to paint images on the walls of their home.
Goma Pargi’s paintings are displayed in the museum of the Tribal Research Institute, TRI in Udaipur. He used to paint different aspects of Bhil life. One of his motifs was gotrej which is the main mandno drawn on the walls of the house during weddings.
Geometric patterns can be seen in the Gotrej which has layers of meanings. For some artists Ganesha with his wives is the main motif of gotrej. Goma Pargi’s depiction of animals and humans is very expressive. In his paintings the cowherds are always alert, lest a tiger or a bear takes away one of the cattle. In fact the 12 Shiva temples were built on Inya Parvat so that the Gods could protect their animals.
Goma Pargi was awarded by the Rajasthan Lalit Kala Academy in 2001.