The Deer and Peacock in the Forest

Sunita Bhavor is a blooming name in the world of Bhil art. Her work is a constant tribute to the ancient traditions of the Bhil tribe. Her life is an inspiration not just for emerging artists, but for anyone to whom life has kicked one too many times. Sometimes, you just need to take a leap of faith and that is precisely what Sunita Ji did. Born in a small village in the Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh, there weren’t many opportunities for Sunita. Living in a remote area, she could only be educated till the primary level. With nothing else to occupy her, Sunita ji’s childhood was spent roaming the hills and valleys of her village. She soaked in the traditional activities of her tribe. Soon, a new chapter opened in her life—marriage. Her marriage with the Bhil artist Rakesh Bhavor would change the landscape of her life forever, and not just because she had to move to Bhopal. Being an experienced, self-taught Bhil artist, Rakesh Ji encouraged Sunita Ji to pursue her own artistic interests. To this regard, Sunita Ji credits her sister-in-law Kamta Taher for teaching her the intricacies of the craft. Padma Shree Bhuri Bai and Lado Bai were her constant inspirations. It was in lockdown, however, that life tested the Bhavors most. Rakesh Ji lost his job and they had to go through some gruesome times economically. This was when they both made the risky decision to pursue Bhil art as an occupation. The starting years were—as Sunita Ji herself described in an interview—the worst period of her life. But then it got better, she started getting noticed. Her works began to be accepted for exhibitions and sales. Now, she has moved from small scale local exhibitions to large ones from all over the country. Her work has been exhibited and sold in Baroda, Madurai, Indore and even New Delhi. Sunita Bhavor’s paintings are a tribute to the Bhil culture she grew up around—trees, animals, mountains and the local life. Through her work, she has spread the Bhil culture far and wide. Her aim is to bring Bhil culture and art in the mainstream of national and international art. Sunita Ji’s journey was in the making from the very start. It is clear from the way she speaks of her culture, her roots. She just needed a canvas and a will to put it down for the world. Like she was inspired by Bhuri Bai and Lado Bai, many budding artists are inspired by her journey.