Sajwa Devi

Sohrai art is a style of wall painting prevalent in eastern India that is said to trace back to the Paleolithic period. Sajwa Devi, a septuagenarian artist from rural Jharkand, has seen the art form through its decline and subsequent revival, and its transformation from wall murals in tribal homes to paper and canvas, framed in urban living rooms. Her work features the animal and village motifs typical to Sohrai, rendered in characteristic browns, reds, whites and blacks, creating a world that is vivid, bold and stunningly beautiful. Deeply committed to preserving the ancient art form, Sajwa Devi has mentored scores of younger artists to ensure the preservation of Sohrai for the future.