Rooted in Bloom

"Rooted in Bloom' by the late Yashodha Devi shows a graceful composition of flowering stems spreading across a pale, earthen background. Painted in deep black on a soft beige surface, the work is made using natural pigments that echo the look of traditional wall murals found in Jharkhand’s homes. The lotuses are drawn with broad, rhythmic strokes, each petal outlined with care and filled with fine hatching. Around the border, small leaf forms repeat in a steady pattern, framing the central vines that seem to rise gently towards the top of the paper.

Why This Artwork Stands Out:

• The use of natural black pigment creates a striking contrast against the raw paper surface.
• Yashodha Devi’s brushwork is confident and fluid, revealing her control over organic line and balance.
• The layered floral arrangement recalls the decorative tradition of Khovar walls, now preserved on paper.
• The handmade irregularities add warmth, keeping the texture of rural artistry alive.

The painting feels like a quiet garden captured in earth and ash, holding the calm beauty of a ritual space."