Jivya Soma
Mashe

Awardee

Country

India

Jivya Soma Mashe promoted free expression through his visual art.

Themes
Free Expression / Civil Society
Disciplines
Visual Art
Awards
Archive - Prince Claus Laureate 2009

Profile

Jivya Soma Mashe (1934-2018) was a Warli painter based in India. He lived and worked within his native community, profoundly influencing the traditional Indian art form of Warli painting. Mashe popularized this tribal art globally, transforming it from a predominantly ritualistic practice to a contemporary art form. His work is celebrated for its intricate patterns and thematic depth, focusing on the daily life and harmonious balance between nature and humanity, which resonates with ecological and social themes.Mashe's paintings often depict dense, rhythmic motifs of animals, humans, and flora, showcasing the cyclic interdependence within these elements. His most acclaimed works include large murals and collaborative pieces that have been exhibited internationally, notably in Japan and Europe, bringing Warli art to a global audience.