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Warli Painting

Warli Painting

The Geometry of Life and Nature

The Sacred Art of Storytelling

A timeless hand creation, Warli painting is one of India’s oldest visual painting  traditions. Created by the Warli tribe of Maharashtra, these paintings use a simple vocabulary of geometric shapes—circles, triangles, and lines—to tell profound stories of daily life, nature, and spiritual beliefs.

Traditionally, these murals were painted on the walls of tribal homes. Using white pigment made from rice paste against a red earth background, Warli art depicts scenes of harvest, festivals, and the eternal cycle of life. Each motif is rich with meaning: the circle represents the cycle of life, triangles symbolize mountains and trees, and human figures celebrate the spirit of community.

What makes Warli art truly special is its democratic nature, practiced by the entire community and passed down through generations, creating a living tradition that remains deeply spiritual.

Visual Journey Through Warli Art

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The Artists

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Sadashiv Mhase

Sadashiv Mhase is the son of the legendary Padma Shri Jivya Soma Mhase, whose work brought Warli art to global recognition. Deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Warli painting, Sadashiv’s artistic language transforms the everyday world into rhythmic, minimalist forms that capture life’s essence with remarkable clarity. His works carry forward the visual poetry of his heritage while reflecting his own creative vision. Having travelled widely, including to Japan, Sadashiv is celebrated as a true torchbearer of the Warli artistic legacy.

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Anil Vangad

Anil Vangad hails from a small Warli tribal village in Maharashtra, yet his artworks have travelled across India, Europe, and the U.S. Inspired by his mother, who taught him the traditional techniques, Vangad remains deeply connected to the roots of Warli painting. He works exclusively with natural materials—rice paste, cow dung, and charcoal—reflecting his commitment to sustainability and authenticity. While his materials are traditional, his themes are contemporary, capturing the rhythms and realities of modern village life. Through his work, Vangad continues the timeless legacy of Warli art, where the elements of nature and community find expression in simple, powerful forms.

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Ramesh Laxman Hengadi

Ramesh Hengadi belongs to the Warli tribe and has been practising this traditional art form for over three decades. Deeply inspired by the customs and stories of his community, his paintings vividly capture the spirit of Warli life. Recipient of an award from the Pune-based Adivasi Parm Parikrang Kala and Sanshodhan Kendra, Hengadi continues to uphold and revive age-old techniques, valuing patience and precision in his process. His works have been featured on the cover of a renowned magazine and are part of collections across India and abroad. He has also traveled  to the UK  and represented Warli art internationally.

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Balu Jivya Mhase

A contemporary artist who preserves ancient techniques while introducing modern themes, Balu Mhase is celebrated for his vibrant festival and harvest paintings that capture the essence of community life.

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Kishore Sadashiv Mhase

Kishore, an accomplished Warli artist from Ganjad village of Palghar district of Maharashtra, has over 20 years of experience, having trained under his grandfather, Padma Shri Jivya Soma Mashe. His art blends traditional Warli themes with contemporary global issues. He has exhibited widely on national and international platforms. Kishore’s artworks are displayed proudly in the Mithila Museum of Japan.

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Rajesh Vangad

Born in 1975, Vangad is a renowned Warli artist who learned the traditional art from his mother Ladhki Devi and master Jivya Soma Mashe.  He has created murals at the Craft Museum (Delhi), Tata Memorial Hospital, and Mumbai’s T2 Airport.  Vangad has co-authored books like My Gandhi Story, Kabir Saamagri, and The Indian Crafts Journey.  His collaborative project Fields of Sight with Gauri Gill has been exhibited globally, including at Documenta 14 and the Moscow Biennale.

Villages Practising Warli Art

Experience Warli Art Firsthand

Join our guided workshops, meet the artists, and discover the sacred stories behind every stroke. Book your cultural journey to the heart of Maharashtra's tribal heritage.