Bhubaneswar, Feb. 22: This exhibition is not about a couple of creative works, but it's about creative couples.

A number of creative couples from the state are displaying their artworks at the exhibition titled "Couple of strokes" at the Odisha Modern Art Gallery. The show highlights how artist couples influence each other in their creative pursuits.

The four-day long exhibition commenced yesterday and includes 46 artworks by 23 couple artists. The artists include both veterans, as well as youngsters.

One of the most senior artist couples taking part in the exhibition is the Kanungos. While Jyotirmayee Kanungo explores the enlightenment of the Buddha in a dense forest, husband Jagdish focuses on an abstract composition on nature.

"It helps us being together as artists since we do not need to look for support outside. We derive it from each other. But encouragement apart, we do not tread into each other's artistic space when it comes to style. I follow my creative style, while she emphasises on the traditional school of painting," said Jagdish.

D.N. Rao and D. Sujatha, who are also seasoned artists, have displayed completely different works of art in terms of technique and medium but have great similarities in spirit. Rao's paintings include textures influenced by tribal art and cave paintings of men riding horses with a metallic effect, while Sujatha has weaved a collage of handlooms to create a colourful combination.

For artists Sovan Kumar and Helen Brahma, it is their passion for art that unites them. "Practising art as a profession is very challenging, but with your better half completely understanding your world, the path becomes way easier. We often see women artists quitting after marriage, but if she has an artist husband, she will not have to go through this," said Helen.

Sovan, too, finds ample support in Helen. "The journeys of art and marriage become easier when your partner is also passionate about art," he said. Sovan has created a pair of ceramic sandals to depict their journey together.

There is a host of other fascinating artworks at the unique exhibition. Swayamprabha Parida and Purna Behera have both created contemporary paintings, while Sasmirekha Patra and Sujit Sengupta have displayed their works in traditional style.

Lipishree Nayak and Shyam Prasad Tali, Nibedita Patnaik and Pradosh Swain, Aparna and Anjan Sahoo, Sonia and Ranjan Mallik, Subhalaxmi and Siba Patri and many other couples have displayed striking works of art the exhibition. The event is on until February 24.

"We have already identified 46 artist couples from Odisha. But since all of them could not take part, we will host a bigger show in the future," said Tarakant Parida, the art gallery founder.

The exhibition is on until February 24.