Bhubaneswar, Feb. 16: Ten young terracotta artists from across the state are working on murals at a camp at Rashtriya Lalit Kala Akademi here.
The 4ftX6ft clay tablets on Odia culture and heritage will be a tribute to the state.
At the end of the workshop - Bande Utkal Janani - the works will find permanent display on the Akademi walls. The participants at the workshop also took part in discussions on the changing patterns of pottery over the centuries.
Manmath Rana, a national award winner in 1986 for terracotta murals, has taken part in several workshops abroad. "Earlier, terracotta items were limited to household use or utility items. These days, the scope has increased, and it has developed huge following among modern masses for its rustic charm. We have begun to experiment with styles to match people's tastes," he said.
The advent of modern artefacts has failed to decrease the popularity of terracotta items, most of the artists feel.
Samir Kumar Maharana from Jharpada has created a mural showcasing the state's maritime history. "The workshop has been a learning experience for us as we get to know about the intricacies of firing techniques and design practices," he said.
Another artist, Lalat Kishore Pradhan from Khurda, has been working on the Paika rebellion. "My work is a tribute to the Paika rebellion. I have highlighted various aspects of the revolt, so that future generations get an artistic glimpse of the historic event," he said.
Last year, a similar workshop was hosted where Debraj Sahoo, one of the pioneers of the terracotta art form in the state, had trained 10 young artists from various parts of Odisha.
Akademi secretary Ramkrishna Vedala said the workshop aimed to provide the artists an opportunity to exchange various techniques in the field. The workshop concludes tomorrow.
The venue also hosted an art show emphasising on the beauty of watercolours that concluded on January 15.
Artist Prabal Mallick's exhibition was a travelogue expressed through paintings. "I have been away for a long time, walking different roads. These paintings were made over a span of three years during my visits to various places around the world, including my countryside in Odisha," the artist said about his collection.
Around 60 paintings got displayed at the exhibition named The Homing. The 2002 alumnus of IIT-Kharagpur has been passionate about watercolours since childhood.
