Bhubaneswar, Oct. 8: Young artists from the Balasore Art & Crafts College have displayed an array of creative talent in the form of art works.

Their works are on display at the city-based Odisha Modern Art Gallery (OMAG). The exhibition titled 'Unknown,' depicts a wide range of subjects made by the budding artists.

The 27 artists of the Balasore college have tried their hands at various forms of art including paintings in oil, acrylic as well as watercolours that they have displayed on canvas and paper. Sculptures and other installations are also exhibited by the students.

In the 50 art works displayed at the gallery, traditional themes influenced by Odia lifestyle is highly highlighted. A damsel dressed in ancient-styled attire appearing to wait for her beloved while Krishna and Radha in a romantic are drawing a lot of visitors. Most of the paintings also touch upon various contemporary issues such as female feticide, pollution and urbanisation while festivals of Odisha have also been portrayed in some of the works. Some art students have also presented their idea of a better India where farming and development co-exists.

"The works express the thoughts and ideas of the young artists of our college. They have tried to work on both contemporary themes as well as traditional ideas," said college principal Nikunj Bihari Das.

Art lovers, specially students from the city, are gathering in large numbers to view the works and the young artists are interacting with them and sharing their views.

"We need to know the perception of art lovers and how they find our works. This exhibition is helping us to get more exposure," said an art student whose work is on display.

"There is scope for improvement but they are already well groomed," said a senior artists.

"Coming from Balasore and despite not getting to see works of national and international artists that often, their works are impressive. They are young now and will do even better when they graduate. But their concepts are strong and that is what matters," said senior artist Tarakant Parida, the secretary of Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi and founder of OMAG. Veteran artist Gouranga Bariki also interacted with the students and gave them valuable tips.

The exhibition is on until October 10.