Bhubaneswar, Nov. 27: A group of artists from Calcutta-based Rarh Bangla Art Society are exhibiting their paintings at Lalit Kala Akademi here to enhance cultural exchange between Odisha and Bengal.

Around 45 paintings by around 13 artists belonging to the art society are on display at the exhibition. While a few paintings are based on the Jagannath culture, a few depict scenes from the Mahabharat. A few canvases also depict the ancient civilisation of Rarh, after which the art group is also named.

The artists have employed a number of mediums such as tempera, acrylic, oil and mix media to showcase their creativity.

A set of two paintings by Lalit Maity is quite eye-catching. It portrays a Rajasthani king and a queen with a modern touch. While the king is seen playing a guitar, the elegant queen is seen blow-drying her hair.

Artist Sukhamoy Banerjee has skilfully brought a few facets of the Jagannath culture on canvas, while Ratna Banerjee’s portraits of women reflect varying feminine expressions.

Young artist Debjani Dakshit has interestingly used geometric patterns in her images. Similartly, Dhiren K. Saha has very cleverly put forth his abstract ideas through acrylic.

The members of the groups will interact with the local artists on the latest trends in the cultural scenario of both the states.

“We are willing to learn about the pattachitra painting that is quite popular in this state. That apart, we are also eager to discuss about the Shantiniketan style of painting prevalent in Bengal,” said secretary of the art society Ashoke Roy.

One of his works of art, Vishwadarshan, was quite appreciated. It reflects the vision of the world that Krishna demonstrates to Arjun before the beginning of the Mahabharat war.

“The paintings are very colourful and reflect the Bengal School of Art. I interacted with the artists and got to know a lot of things about their art movements,” said a visitor to the exhibition, Ananya Satpathy.

The exhibition concludes December 1.