Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, March 15: Around 100 selected paintings, done by artists of different districts, during the last seven years were exhibited by the Lalit Kala Akademi on the premises of Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, in the city, on the occasion of the 55th foundation day of the Akademi, Sunday.
Visitors got the opportunity to appreciate the works of art, which were exhibited by the Akademi in various places of the state during all these seven years. The exhibitions were, apart from other places, held in Angul, Daringabadi, Malkanagiri, Cuttack, Baleswar and Dhauli.
Speaking on the occasion Shiba Panigrahi, the president of the Akademi said, “People can enjoy the paintings, which portray the beautiful scenes of the earth in different seasons. Such exhibition will benefit both the visitors and the artists. Besides, the Akademi has decided to give the artists Rs 10,000 as a token of respect to them.
“We have also planned to hold a state-level exhibition this summer, where 30 craftsmen from across the state will have the opportunity to showcase their creations.”
Moreover, a book titled ‘Chitrakalara Jadugar’ (Magician of Paintings), based on the life of the famous Orissa artist Muralidhar Tali, was unveiled by the tourism and culture minister Ashok Chandra Panda during the programme.
Writer of the book Jagadish Kanoongo said that he was proud that he had the opportunity to write it. “It took me around seven months to complete this book. I remember, Muralidhar dedicated his whole life to creative painting, design and graphics. His painting ‘Mother’ touched many hearts in the state. I hope readers will get a glimpse of his dedication and will get inspiration from his life after reading this book.”
A cultural programme, where students of the Utkal Sangeet Maha Vidyalaya and artistes of the Akademi performed elegantly, was held to mark the end of the celebrations. Aravinda Padhee, secretary and commissioner of the culture department, Sushil Kumar Das, director culture, were among others present at the event.
