With a lack of medium such as oil colours, acrylics, canvas and materials, mediums that are readily available from the natural surroundings were used - different coloured grains of sand and earth.

 

The new art form caught on and has evolved into a distinctly Enga style. Artist's paint images depicting Enga's traditional stories and way of life.

 

The sand painters train for years as apprentices and you will often see them in the workshop at the Take Anda Art Gallery, alongside the master sand painters who create works for sale and display in the gallery.

 

Watching the sand paintings being created is mesmerising, as grains of sand come alive with colour and form through skillful placement on the board by artists.