Mango Tree of Life

Mango Tree of Life refers to a ceremony in which young men are symbolically married to a sacred mango tree. The tree of life is a common motif in Mithila art and reflects the strong association this tradition and the related belief system has with the natural world. The motif is common in many Indian cultures and art forms, with the associated stories and beliefs often varying between different communities.

Mithila artworks were traditionally painted only by women. As artists transferred the customary designs to paper, the art forms have changed and developed in turn. A younger generation now address political and feminist themes and public issues as well as traditional stories, and — for the first time — a group of talented male artists have begun to create works in the Mithila style. Pradyumna Kumar is part of this first generation of male artists.

Exhibited in 'The 8th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art' (APT8) | 21 Nov 2015 – 10 Apr 2016