Jivya Soma Mashe Biography 
Jivya Soma Mashe was an artist of the Maharashtra who popularised the Warli tribal art form. He was honoured with Tulsi Samman for his contributions towards the field. His talents were recognized by then prime ministers like Nehru and Indira Gandhi. He died most recently in May 15, 2018 after prolonged illness. Warli Painting was only a ritual art till 1970s. He presented this art form to the outer world, and popularized also. Government of India honoured him with Padma Shri for his overall contributions towards the field of arts.
Jivya Soma Mashe was born in the year 1934 in Maharashtra. He belonged to Dhamangaon village in Talasari taluka of Thane district. He moved to Kalambipada village in Dahanu taluka at the age of 11, where he spent his entire life. He introduced Warli tribal art form to the external world in the 1970s. Before 1970s his talents were well noticed by then Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. His creative reinvention of an art form that was disappearing brought him to limelight. His art form was also promoted internationally after that.
His life experiences have deep relationship with Warli art. He lost his mother at the age of 7, and for many years he was not able to speak because of shock. In those days, he communicate with others using pictures in art. When government officials were sent to preserve Warli Painting, they were amazing seeing the artistic skills of Jivya. His powerful imagination and creativity surprised everyone. He portrayed different themes on canvas over the years.
His first exhibition was held at the Gallery Chemould, Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai in 1975. Bhaskar Kulkarni was the person behind this exhibition, who introduced this master to the outside world for the first time. In 1976 he exhibited his pictures for the first time outside India in France. After that he continued with his exhibitions over the years.
Published: October 16, 2018
Updated: October 16, 2018
