Hailing from Pathangarh, Madhya Pradesh, Japani Shyam is the daughter of the late legendary Gond tribal artist, Jangarh Singh Shyam.

Introduced to the art at a very young age, she endured deep personal loss when her father passed away while working in Japan at the Mithila Museum. Her mother, Smt. Nandkushiya Shyam, a young widow, faced many financial and social challenges, becoming a pillar of strength for Japani. Despite the hardships, Japani Shyam used her creativity to carve a niche for herself in the world of art. While deeply rooted in the Gond art form, her work reflects a fresh perspective shaped by her urban experiences. "I live in a city today, and I love to experiment with modern-day visuals and experiences around me while keeping the tribal aspect of the art form intact," she explains.

One of her thought-provoking pieces highlights the impact of urbanisation on nature, lamenting the loss of natural habitats. Through her art, which pushes the boundaries of a traditional art form, Japani serves as a poignant reminder of the balance that needs to be struck between development and environmental preservation.

Swadesh has been instrumental in promoting indigenous art and providing a platform for hundreds of Gond artists in Madhya Pradesh. They are able to showcase their work at Swadesh's flagship stores in Hyderabad and Mumbai. Japani also participated in the Gond Pavilion at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, where she live-demonstrated her craft and captivated the audience. Swadesh's ongoing efforts have indirectly benefitted around 200 Gond artists in the region.