Bhubaneswar, June 29: Baroda-based artist Jeetander Ojha represented the changes in the city through his art works at the Utsha Art Foundation here.

Penance, the artist's installations, depict the city's transformation from an old town and to the modern cosmopolitan. Ojha had visited Bhubaneswar over a decade ago. "However, when I came here this time, I was utterly confused," Ojha said.

The art foundation had invited Ojha for a residency programme, where he created the artworks within his month-long stay. "I work on places. Wherever I go, I try to study and analyse the area and portray that through my sculptures," Ojha said.

During his last visit, Ojha had realised that the city had its own identity. It was different than other cities in the country in terms of food, landscape and lifestyle.

"Now, it is similar to any other metropolitan with apartments, shopping malls, busy roads and so on. But, the good thing about Bhubaneswar is that the city still craves for its older identity. Those who have antique items are selling them and there are prospective buyers in the market. The old temples are still there, but in a bad shape. handi mutton has always been a favourite here. However, instead of cooking it at home, people visit restaurants."

The artist's perception has been skilfully portrayed in his works. Colourful pillar-like structures represent the old deities in new avatar. To depict the spirit of Nabakalebar, Ojha has wrapped colourful clothes around the pillars. He has brought ashes from a village he had visited and layered it around the central structure. From the ashes, one can spot antique objects. On the walls, he has created termite lines with clothes. "The old is being eaten by termites. However, even in this phase of development, the city doesn't let go of its tradition," said Ojha.

Ojha's works are on display at the Utsha Foundation in Unit VI here till July 1.