Art lovers in Mumbai can get a glimpse of a rarely seen contemporary art form at two galleries this month: work from rural or tribal areas of the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.

In the exhibit “Now That the Trees Have Spoken,” the Pundole Art Gallery (369 Dr Dadabhai Naoroji Road; 91-22-2284-1837; www.pundoleartgallery.in) is displaying the colorful work of the artists Bhuri Bai, Ladoo Bai, Ram Singh Urveti and Narmada Prasad Tekam. The nearby Chemould gallery (Queens Mansion, third floor, G. Talwatkar Marg; 91-22-2200-0211; www.gallerychemould.com) is showing the works of the celebrated painter Jangarh Singh Shyam and his family.

In addition to showcasing these artists, the exhibits raise an interesting debate: some resent the easy labeling of rural artists as” folk” or “tribal,” arguing that such categories pigeonhole artists and prevent them from getting the respect they deserve. [ more ]