Solo show captured rural essence and modern fusion art
Art enthusiasts in the Temple City recently bade farewell to a vibrant convergence of rural tranquility and traditional heritage at the Lalit Kala Akademi Regional Centre. The solo showcase titled "Till Now," a comprehensive Ruman Mohanty Art Exhibition, concluded its successful run on Sunday. The event offered visitors a week-long deep dive into the untouched beauty of Odisha’s landscapes and the evolving nature of its traditional art forms. Inaugurated on December 28, 2025, by eminent artist Raghunath Sahoo, the gallery served as a visual sanctuary until its closing on January 4, 2026.
Capturing the Soul of Mayurbhanj
Ruman Mohanty, a talented visual artist hailing from Baripada in the Mayurbhanj district, used this exhibition to present a visual diary of her roots1. Her canvas works were deeply inspired by the "untouched forests, rolling hills, and quiet village life" of her home district. Through her mastery of oil and acrylic mediums, Mohanty succeeded in capturing what she describes as "nature's poetic dances," depicting sunlight filtering through thick canopies and the serenity of secluded glades.
Her artistic philosophy, which was on full display during the exhibition, is grounded in immersion. Mohanty describes her process as breathing the "soul of the Sal forest" that envelopes her surroundings. This deep connection was evident in her realistic landscape pieces, such as the oil-on-canvas depiction of the "Belgadia Palace backside" and the serene waters of the "Munsi Lake" and "Deuli Dam". One particularly evocative piece showcased at the event depicted humble rural huts nestled under trees, rendering the texture of thatched roofs and the interplay of light and shadow with remarkable precision.
A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
Beyond realistic landscapes, the Ruman Mohanty Art Exhibition highlighted the artist's versatility in bridging the gap between folk aesthetics and contemporary expression. Her portfolio included intricate works inspired by Pattachitra, the traditional cloth-based scroll painting of Odisha. These pieces were characterized by bold lines, rhythmic patterns, and symbolic storytelling, preserving the cultural essence of the state while blending it with modern sensibilities.
Visitors to the gallery also explored her experiments with resin art, a medium she utilizes to investigate depth, fluidity, and light. From functional art pieces like clocks and coasters to purely aesthetic creations, her resin work reflected themes of transformation and resilience. A standout creative painting that drew attention featured a striking portrait of a face submerged in Indian currency notes, offering a powerful social commentary on value and materialism amidst the serene nature studies.
From Baripada to Global Recognition
Mohanty’s journey as an artist is backed by a solid academic foundation and a growing international footprint. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Visual Art from the Dhauli College of Art and Crafts, Bhubaneswar, and has also pursued commerce at MPC Autonomous College. With eight years of experience in visual art and craft design, she has made a mark far beyond the local circuit.
Her entrepreneurial spirit has taken her art to global audiences; she has successfully sold 11 paintings in the United States through her Etsy shop. Currently, she shares her knowledge and passion with the next generation as an Art Teacher at DPS Kalinga, following a previous tenure at BIPF School.
A Successful Conclusion
The "Till Now" exhibition stood as a testament to Mohanty's skills across various mediums, including watercolor, oil color, and creative painting. By bringing the quiet splendor of rural Mayurbhanj to the bustling capital, the exhibition allowed urban viewers to pause and appreciate the simple complexities of nature and tradition. As the doors close on this event, the art community looks forward to the next step in Mohanty's evolving narrative.
