Japani Shyam, the first born of the renowned Gond artist Jangarh Singh Shyam, carries a name that echoes her father’s journey—bestowed upon her during his first visit to Japan. From an early age, she was drawn to the vibrant world of Gond art, winning the Kamala Devi award at just eleven years old. Tragedy struck when Japani was only 13, as she lost her father far too soon. Yet, with the paints and brushes he had given her, she began forging a path of her own, honoring his legacy while developing her distinct artistic voice. Like her father, she narrates stories from nature, yet her style remains uniquely her own. Birds take flight, animals whisper folklore and the essence of Gond traditions comes alive in her evocative works. Japani Shyam’s paintings are deeply inspired by nature, animals and birds, yet she distinguishes herself from other prominent Gond artists through a distinctly personal approach. Favoring simple forms, she often crafts imaginative depictions of animals rather than pursuing realism. Through continuous experimentation, she has developed her signature white-on-black style, a defining characteristic of her work. Trees, recurring motifs in her compositions, symbolize life and continuity—central themes in her artistic expression. While most artists working in the genre hail from Patangarh, Madhya Pradesh—the heartland of Gond art—Japani grew up in Bhopal. This urban upbringing is reflected in her work, which frequently explores themes of environmental concerns and city life. She mentions that although she incorporates characters from the stories she has heard, she seldom presents them in their entirety. She feels that making subtle changes is essential to prevent the genre from becoming typecast. An acclaimed artist in her own right, Japani’s works have been exhibited across the world, from India to New York and Tokyo. She was honored with the Annual FICCI Young Achievers Award, further cementing her place in the art world. Today, Japani Shyam stands as an artist of singular vision, upholding her father’s legacy while carving a path uniquely her own.