Bhubaneswar, July 20: Odia artist Jyoti Ranjan highlighted Amarushataka, an anthology of poems in Sanskrit authored by Amaru, in his latest art exhibition.

The artwork consisting of 15 canvasses has been exhibited at Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. The exhibition was inaugurated on July 16 and will continue for a month.

The artist said he had always been attracted to the nayaka and nayika (hero and heroine) of Amarushataka. "They are charming, radiant, deceitful and invariably the undisputed icons of erotic love. These images have been metamorphosed into my paintings," said the 46-year-old artist.

Based in Bhubaneswar, Jyoti is a well-known graphic designer in the state. He also runs a design studio, Third Eye Communications.

The paintings enrapture with a suddenness of intricacies of theme, form, colour and essence. "Through this painterly statement of love and eroticism I have tried to put forth both epitome and ephemeral," he said.

Eminent artist and author Dinanath Pathy and India's deputy high commissioner to Malaysia Nikhilesh Giri were present during the inaugural event of the festival.

"Such exhibitions will help strengthen the bond between India and Malaysia. This exhibition will let people here have a taste of our culture. Promoting your art and culture in a foreign land is always a pleasure," said Pathy.

Apart from the paintings, a few art installations by the artist on Amarushataka has also been put up in the exhibition.

The exhibition is part of a festival titled "Amorous Delight" organised by Sutra Foundation, an art centre run by Malaysian Odissi dancer Ramli Ibrahim. The festival celebrates the love poems written during the middle of the 8th century, through dance, literature and art.

Another highlight of the festival is an Odissi dance recital by Ramli and prominent dancer Meera Das from Cuttack. The recital will be staged at a performing art centre.