Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, March 9: Art lovers made a beeline to the Orissa Lalit Kala Akademi in the city to witness a solo painting exhibition titled ‘The Dancing Spatula’ by renowned painter Prabhat Kumar Routray, Monday.
Around 51 paintings, mostly portraits of eminent leaders, are on display at the seven-day exhibition that began Sunday. The striking feature of all the paintings is they are all made using spatula, not with brushes.
“I love to work with spatula. I also paint with brushes but I don’t find that satisfaction. Using a brush only helps me give a fine finish to the painting, whereas a spatula brings depth to the painting. There is a unique freshness to spatula painting,” said Rautray.
Lamenting the lack of patronage for artists in Orissa, Rautray said there are few art aficionados in the state, resulting in an overall decline in the output of young artists.
“In Orissa, not many people are interested in artists and their work. We never get admiration or appreciation from people here. But in spite of that there are a handful of young, promising artists from the state with innovative ideas on how to express themselves through their art. We should encourage such artists and give them an opportunity to exhibit their works,” Rautray said.
Visitors were mesmerised by the beauty of the paintings. “All the paintings in the exhibition are so beautiful to look at. They look very realistic with all the edges. I’m very interested in painting and these paintings made with spatulla have inspired me to learn the technique behind it,” said Prachi Mishra, an art student in the city.
Rautray has been painting for over 35 years and has come up with several solo and group exhibitions across the country. He has also taught many students in the field of realistic and contemporary art and painting.