What is warli painting?

Warli painting is a traditional tribal art form that originated from the Warli tribe of Maharashtra, India. It is one of the oldest forms of tribal art in India, with origins dating back to more than 2500 years ago.

Warli paintings are characterised by their simple, monochromatic designs, consisting of geometric shapes such as circles, triangles, and squares. The paintings typically depict scenes from daily life, nature, and folklore, featuring human figures engaged in activities like hunting, farming, and dancing.

Traditionally, Warli paintings were created by women using a mixture of rice paste and water as paint, and applying it onto walls made of mud or cow dung. Today, Warli paintings are created on paper, cloth, and other mediums using acrylic and poster colours.

Warli paintings have gained popularity not only in India but also globally, as they are considered a unique form of indigenous art that represents the rich cultural heritage of the Warli tribe. The art form has also inspired contemporary artists to adapt and experiment with Warli motifs in various forms of art and design.