Durga Prasad Das at his exhibition at Lalit Kala Akademi. Picture by Sanjib Mukherjee

Bhubaneswar, March 31: The ongoing retrospective exhibition of Durga Prasad Das draws reverence for the veteran artist and appreciation for his art in equal measures. The weeklong exhibition of paintings at the regional centre of Lalit Kala Akademi is displaying works of the 76-year-old artist.

The 55 paintings made by Das over the past six decades have captured myriad emotions and themes in a multitude of hues. Working either with watercolours, ink or tempera on Nepali paper, silk and other fabrics, he has beautifully represented rural scenes. He has played with themes such as mythology, especially surrounding the family of Lord Shiv, on the bond between mother and child, animal figures and grand celebration of festivals.

Two striking features in his works are the slightly longer necks of human figures and crystal clear individuality of each colour on the canvas. Then, one can find a series of paintings that are bound by a common theme such as the “Homeward” series where Das has shown villagers returning home after the days’ work.

His creations with Chinese ink look extremely simple but strike an immediate chord with the visitor. A painting of Buddha titled “Light of Knowledge” is another such creation that conveys a lot with its unadorned foreground and elaborate background.

Das, an alumnus of Viswa Bharati and the former principal of College of Art and Craft, Khallikote, is known for his command of over Indian style of painting with elements of Chinese paintings embedded in them.

“He continues to believe in the efficacy of Swadeshi style and romanticism of the era gone-by. He has kept his style distinctive without getting influenced by the winds of change sweeping the Odia art circuit. His works exude a feeling of unadulterated beauty of country life,” said Ramahari Jena, regional secretary of the Akademi.

Though he does not act in accordance with the changes but the septuagenarian understands that art must keep evolving.

A large number of art students have been visiting the exhibition, which will end of April 3, and are seeking advice and blessings from the veteran painter.