Renowned Odisha artists transform mythological stories into stunning visual masterpieces.
Bhubaneswar’s vibrant cultural landscape reached a new creative peak this weekend as the Shakuntala Art Gallery art camp kicked off a two-day celebration of heritage. Running from December 27 to 28, 2025, this unique event was organized through a collaborative effort between the gallery and the Visual Arts Department of Sanskar Bharati (Utkal Purba Pranta). The gathering served as both a creative workshop and an intellectual seminar, focusing on the deep-rooted aesthetic traditions of the state.
Bringing together twenty of the most distinguished senior artists from across Odisha, the camp provided a rare opportunity to see masters at work. Figures such as Janardan Paramguru, Pradeep Pandey, Rajesh Kumar Nayak, and Arun Jena were joined by respected names like Dr. Durgamadhav Kar and Dr. Panchanan Samal. Working alongside traditional craftsmen, these artists focused on the traditional Odissi paintings style, drawing inspiration from the region's vast mythological archives.
The event was not limited to the canvas; it also featured a thought-provoking mythological art seminar. Leading academic voices, including the Principals of the Odisha College of Art and Crafts and Dhauli College of Art and Crafts, led discussions on the survival and evolution of classical art forms in the modern era. These sessions allowed younger observers and art enthusiasts to understand the technical nuances behind Odisha’s iconic visual storytelling.
Prominent speakers like Dr. Sthitadhi Rath, the Visual Arts Coordinator of Sanskar Bharati, and Shri Sangram Maharana, Art Director of News7, shared their expertise on the historical significance of these art forms. They highlighted how mythological paintings act as a bridge between the past and the present. The participating list featured talented creators including Atasi Basu, Priyadarshini Mohanty, Tejaswini Samantsinghar, and many others who contributed to the festive atmosphere.
Concluding the successful event, Gallery Director Janardan Paramguru delivered a vote of thanks, praising the artists for their dedication to keeping the spirit of Odisha art and crafts alive for future generations.
