(From top) Artworks on display at the exhibition titled Anukriti and artist Anuradha Upadhyay in Bhubaneswar. Telegraph pictures

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 9: Homemaker turned artist Anuradha Upadhyay has aptly demonstrated Oscar Wilde’s opinion that ‘a work of art is the unique result of a unique temperament’ in her first exhibition. Her solo art show titled —Anukriti — which means Anu’s works, is an ensemble of her creations in the past year.

Anuradha was inspired by the art tradition of Odisha when she came here last year and decided to display her thoughts on canvas.

“When I came to Odisha after my husband was posted here, I got to explore amazing forms of art everywhere. I was overwhelmed by the art and culture present here. Thus, I decided learn the different forms of the art,” said Anuradha.

Anuradha also experimented with the traditional art forms of Bihar and Maharashtra, which had left an impact on her when she stayed in those places.

“Although my family hails from Bihar, I was born in Bhubaneswar. However, I have lived in Maharashtra for 15 years. Wherever I went I always keenly observed the regional art,” said the mother of two teenagers.

Anuradha had never thought of becoming an artist, in spite of her love for art appreciation.

Last year, however, her keen interest for art compelled her to paint. She took training under local pattachitra artist Bijay Kumar Khatoi.

“Pattachitra is a difficult art form because it’s very intricate. I am glad I have attempted a few paintings in this style. I have also borrowed patterns of Warli art from Maharashtra and Madhubani style from Bihar in my works,” she said.

Her collection includes fascinating fusion of palm leaf art or dokra crafts and even art on crab shells with traditional and tribal painting. Some works are a blend of Warli, Madhubani and Odia patta as well as tribal art.

Anuradha has displayed a wide range of themes and has sprinkled spiritual aspects in each of her works.

Combining bright and softer shades in acrylic, she shows a moment of discussion between two Brahmins in Madhubani style and a half-faced profile of a serene Budhha with a wonderful contrast of layers of red, white and blue.

Though a novice, Anuradha’s works show her amazing control over the brush as well as her dexterity.

She has worked on hand paper and raw silk fabric in most of her works. Apart from painting on discarded crab shells, her sand artwork inserted into a patta painting is praiseworthy.

“I owe it all to Odisha that has given me the opportunity to discover the artist in me,” said Anuradha. The weeklong exhibition is on at the Rashtriya Lalit Kala Akademi till Friday.