Painting Exhibition ‘I AM WITH NATURE’ started at Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar: The ‘I AM WITH NATURE’ Exhibition of Paintings, organised by Ketaki Foundation Trust, was inaugurated on 26th March 2025 at Lalit Kala Akademi, Regional Centre Gallery, Bhubaneswar. The exhibition brings together the works of ten eminent Odia artists and features 20 paintings created during the Lulung Painters’ Camp 2024, held at the Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Mayurbhanj from 10th to 15th September 2024.
The inaugural ceremony witnessed the august presence of Prof. Prasan K Swain, Vice-Chancellor, Utkal University of Culture; Padma Shri Adwaita Gadanayak, renowned sculptor; Ramakrishna Vedala, Regional Secretary, Lalit Kala Akademi, Bhubaneswar; and Ramahari Jena, Convenor of the Lulung Painters’ Camp 2024 along with Dr. Samrat Gouda, IFS. The event also marked the release of a special catalogue that captures the artists’ engagement with nature and their reflections on their creative journey.
The exhibition offers a unique insight into the interplay between art and nature, with paintings that are spontaneous expressions of the artists’ immersive experience in Similipal’s pristine wilderness. In addition to these artworks, the exhibition features Jhoti-Chita and paintings created by schoolchildren and tribal women from Lulung village, developed during special art workshops held as part of the camp. These workshops facilitated a vibrant exchange between the artists and the local community, fostering artistic expression and cultural preservation.
Speaking at the inauguration, Padma Shri Adwaita Gadanayak emphasized the importance of nature as an inspiration for artistic endeavors and commended the initiative for creating a space where contemporary art meets indigenous traditions. Prof. Prasan K Swain lauded the exhibition for promoting Odisha’s rich artistic heritage and encouraging creative dialogue between artists and local communities. Dr. Gouda assured all help for a photography camp in Similipal.
The exhibition is open to the public until 31st March 2025, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, providing art enthusiasts, students, and researchers a valuable opportunity to witness the harmonious blend of nature and artistic expression.
