Lado Bai (b. 1964) is a pioneering and influential figure in contemporary Bhil art, widely recognised for transforming traditional tribal symbols and narratives into a distinctive visual language that resonates on a global platform. Born into the Bhil community, her artistic journey was shaped through mentorship under modernist artist Jagdish Swaminathan at Bharat Bhavan, where she began translating wall-painting traditions into works on paper and canvas. She was among the earliest Bhil women artists to gain institutional recognition, opening pathways for indigenous women artists within formal art spaces.

Her works are held in major public and private collections, including Bharat Bhavan, IGNCA, IGMRS, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the KADIST Collection, reflecting her international relevance. In a field where women tribal artists have historically been underrepresented, Lado Bai’s sustained practice stands as a testament to resilience and creative autonomy. Her achievements have been acknowledged through prestigious honours such as the Shikhar Samman (2019), Tulsidas Samaan (2018), and the Ojas Art Master Artist Award (2017). Continually evolving, her work balances ancestral memory with experimentation, reaffirming Bhil art as a living, dynamic tradition.