An artist gives finishing touches to his painting at Jayadev Bhavan in Bhubaneswar. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, Dec. 6: About 40 renowned artists from all over the country have come together to work on contemporary themes and discuss new techniques at the Shilpi Divas, a festival of art organised by Odisha Modern Art Gallery.

This carnival of art started today with a camp of senior and young painters at Jayadev Bhavan. A number of other interesting events are also lined up as part of the festival.

The weeklong festival first began in 2010 as a national children’s art exhibition.

“I am trying to speak about the relationship between a mother and a child in a novel way. The bond will be visible in my work once it gets ready,” said Sujit Sengupta, who has used a wide range of blue and green shades in his artwork.

Veteran artist Chitra Patnaik is enjoying her experience at the camp. “It is usually believed that art camps are beneficial for young artists, who get to learn from seniors. But I feel that we absorb the energy from the new generation watching their excitement, spiritual inclination and passion for work. This camp is charging our battery,” said Chitra.

Young artist Lipishree Nayak is using flat colours with a lot of textures to portray an aspect of life, while senior artist Gouranga Bariki is busy giving the initial look to his painting based on traditional Odisha style but with a difference.

“I will decipher raga Kokubha in the language of art,” he said.

The annual children’s art exhibition is another attraction of the festival. The exhibition, to be inaugurated on December 8, is going international this year. A national-level art exhibition will simultaneously begin tomorrow at Rashtriya Lalit Kala Akademi and conclude on December 12.

The award ceremony for the child artists will be held on December 10 at Jayadev Bhavan.

“We are glad that our initiative was recognised and is now supported by the Union ministry of culture and the Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi,” said director of Odisha Modern Art Gallery and organiser of Shilpi Divas.