Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi gave away its 34th annual awards

The Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi gave away its 34th annual awards on Wednesday, encouraging talented artists from all over the state. Artists from different fields and generations got together at the event held at Bhanja Kala Mandap.

The awards were conferred upon eight young artists in different categories. The jury consisting of veteran artists such as Baladev Gambhir, Debaraj Sahoo, Bana Bihari Parida and Gouranga Bariki reviewed 122 art works to select the awardees. The awards for 2010-2011 in contemporary painting were presented to Pramode Mallick, Ranjit Sahoo, Abdul Salam Khan and Suryakanta Swain.

The winner for the traditional painting award was Rita Behera. Rashmikanta Patnaik was awarded for graphic art while Manok Kumar Rout and Biswaranjan Kar, for sculptures.“We looked for original concepts and presentation as well as finesse of art in the work while selecting the art works for awards out of the 122 exhibits,” said renowned artist Gouranga Bariki.

The young artists were thrilled on receiving the awards. “I had created a contemporary painting titled The Final Waiting showcasing the wild nature of animals that is also found in humans. I am delighted to have received the award for my work. It will help me do better in future,” said a 24-year-old Ranajit Sahoo.

“I tried to use the traditional painting elements to create something unique. Hence my painting illustrates mythological tales assembled in the body of Meera bai, since she was the epitome of devotion,” said artist Rita Behera.

Another jury had chosen the 122 art works that have been exhibited at the INTACH gallery. “We had received 329 entries that included paintings, graphic arts and sculptures. We selected 122 works that are also exhibited on the occasion,” said Rabi Narayan Rath, secretary of the Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi. Rath was a jury in this initial process.

Culture minister Prafulla Samal, who presented the awards, announced three art galleries that would soon soon come up for artists and art lovers to promote art. “Moreover, art students will soon be given all the facilities such as scholarships, study tours and so on, just like students of others streams,” said Samal. Eminent painter and president of Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi the Durga Prasad Das was present on the occasion.