This 80-YO MP Tribal Woman’s Artwork Is Being Showcased At An Exhibit In Milan, Italy

Art can never be restricted and neither can an artist be confined to any boundaries of age, time or social status. And art that has the heart, soul and sweat of a true artist, never fails to gain recognition. And this 80-year-old tribal woman stands testament to the fact.

Jodhaiya Bai Baiga from Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh is making headlines for all the right reasons. Baiga is a local resident of Lorha village in Madhya Pradesh who has been painting for over half her life. Now her artwork is being showcased at an ongoing exhibition in Milan in Italy. She has been painting ever since her husband died decades ago. Interestingly she paints everything that she observes.

Madhya Pradesh: Paintings by Jodhaiya Bai Baiga, an 80-year-old tribal woman, from Umaria district's Lorha village are now being showcased at the ongoing exhibition at Milan in Italy. Her teacher Ashish Swami says, "She has to achieve many more milestones now." (04.10.2019) pic.twitter.com/FsK7CnBPfG

— ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2019

Speaking to NDTV, she said:

“I paint all kind of animals and whatever I see around. I have visited several parts of India to paint. Nowadays, I don’t do anything else than painting. I started this when I lost my partner 40 years ago. I had to do something for survival and to take care of my family.”

Baiga is overjoyed by her latest feat and is excited that her paintings have been featured at the exhibition in Milan. “I’m feeling glad that my painting is being recognised at the international platform,” she added.

Her teacher Ashish Swami is also elated with Baiga’s achievement. He says that it will motivate others from the community to come forward and indulge in these activities.

“Leaving her pain and sorrow behind she has always been focused. Her painting is being shown in Italy and I’m really happy for her, but it seems that she has more to achieve.”

“It is a proud moment for the Adivasi community as they have not had the proper education. This will motivate others from the community to come forward and indulge in these activities,” he added.

This is a proud moment for all of us. She is an inspiration to many women who think that their life hits rock bottom after a major setback. More power to you, Baiga!