Visitors at the art exhibition in Jayadev Bhavan. Pictures by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 21: Diverse paintings inspired by life and society have been displayed at the art exhibition titled Together at Jayadev Bhavan in the city. The works of 13 young artists at the show are abstract metaphors of social issues along with traditional art in contemporary forms.

Most of the works are figurative creations, depicting tales from mythology that are enveloped with aesthetics of spirituality. A series of paintings on Buddha by artist Kailash Nayak portray different meditative postures of the sage. The use of a transcending shade of blue, mixed with a layer of golden colour and textures, add visual attraction to the paintings. On the other hand, Prasant Barik uses rich colours to present different moods of Buddha.

Among the abstract works, Loknath’s paintings presenting the world as an aquarium are fascinating. The artist predicts a future of man and sea animals co-existing underwater as a result of global warming. Gouri Prasad Rout’s creation uses symbols of a horse along with corporate workers to demonstrate the fast-paced life that has come with urbanisation.

Subrat Seth has used the technique of grids of images that form a greater picture in many of his exhibited paintings here. Ksherabasi Mohanta, who has been portraying tribal life in his art for sometime now, has shifted his focus from Orissa to Bengal. He has depicted the profile of a tribal woman and a man in separate works with tribal visuals and symbols in the background. He has incorporated messages in Santhali and other tribal languages in his paintings.

Santosh Routroy’s mythological idols can be seen in traditional forms, but the entire painting has been given a modern touch by using symbolic objects in the background. Noted artist Manas Jena’s work is an analysis of human nature and psychology. The influence of his style is strongly seen in the works of most of the artists participating in the exhibition.

Some other fascinating works at the show are those by Arun Pallur and Bijay Nayak. While Sanjeeb Nanda presented a portrait of a girl with a paper rocket to depict the quest for freedom, Chinmaya Panda has showcased a wide collection of landscapes.

Visitors have been impressed with the collection of paintings displayed at the exhibition. “The artists have presented interesting works. These paintings have the potential to lend an aesthetic ambience if displayed in the drawing room,” said Smrutisikha Patnaik, an art enthusiast. The exhibition is on till September 22.