Bhubaneswar, Feb. 17: Students of Utkal University are learning the nuances of ethnic art at an 11-day workshop being conducted at the varsity as a part of the Indian Anthropological Congress to be held here on February 22 and 23.

Around 24 artists from various communities of the state are showcasing their traditional art forms at the workshop. The students are working with the artists and gathering knowledge about their lifestyle and anecdotes from their folklore.

The workshop, organised by Central Lalit Kala Akademi and the anthropology department of the varsity, aims to make the students understand the complexity of tribal cultures and understand their lifestyle through art.

The artists belonging to Kandha, Gond, Santhal, Lanjia Saura and Bonda communities are painting on huge canvas sheets measuring 7ft by 6ft.

'Promotion of tribal art will garner employment opportunities and help us earn an identity for ourselves. Our art is exclusive and we put in a lot of effort to make them presentable. It is, therefore, important that our artworks are endorsed not only in India, but also across the world,' said Debabrata Nayak, an artist from Keonjhar.

While the artists from Mayurbhanj are drawing images of tribal musical instruments, huts and utensils, painters from the Keonjhar district are canvassing their traditional Gond paintings. Using bright colours and deft brushstrokes, the artists are showcasing their art forms skillfully.

'I am portraying the tribal festivals and the local gods and goddesses worshipped by our communities. Various types of tribal attires worn during the festivals will also be showcased,' said Sabirti Patra, an artist from Kalahandi.

The students are assured of having a great time working with the traditional artists. 'The artists are quite adept in their work. The designs are quite intricate. Watching them paint and learning a few tricks of the trade from the experts is quite fun,' said a student of the anthropology department, Shyama Mohapatra.

The best of the lot will be exhibited at the Triennial-India that is organised by the academy every three years in New Delhi. The workshop concludes on February 24.