Jivya Soma Mashe: Keeper of the Warli Tradition

Jivya Soma Mashe (1934–2018) was a pioneering Warli artist from Maharashtra, India, renowned for transforming traditional tribal art into a globally recognized contemporary form. Born in Dhamangaon, he began drawing as a child after the loss of his mother, using art as his sole means of communication. In the 1970s, Mashe began painting on canvas, moving beyond the ritualistic context of Warli art to depict daily life, nature, and community. His work gained international acclaim, exhibited at venues like the Centre Pompidou and the Fondation Cartier. Honored with the Padma Shri (2011), Shilp Guru (2002), and Prince Claus Award (2009), Mashe’s legacy continues to inspire.