GAJENDRA SAHU AND CHHATRAPATI BISWAL
SPACE 1 - 2
Exhibition dates : 2 - 14 June 2026
Opening reception : Wed 3 June 2026, 6:00 - 8:30pm
Gajendra Prasad Sahu
My creations ‘TREE & FAMILY’ showcases the co-existence of humanity with nature as well as the importance of family, and inspires me to delve deeper to enhance my understanding of life. An artist’s responsibility towards society goes beyond just creating art. They have a responsibility to inspire positive change through their talent and creativity. My earnest wish…. the young artists of today to inculcate patience, persistence and passion; be more responsible, committed and mindful. Art is a form of worship and a true seeker will definitely attain his or her goal. Thoughtful paintings and creations can inspire change and give new direction for people to make this world more beautiful. I dedicate my learning of 45 years, my treasure trove, to the NATURE LOVERS and the upcoming artists, who are willing to learn.
Nature in art can take many pictorial shapes, from realism to non-realism. Art can imitate Nature by pictorially replicating things as they seem in physical life. The art arose from the thought and observation of natural spectacles and regular shapes. While working at the easel, the creator used creative freedom to allocate fresh colours to comprehensive decorations that were influenced by what he had experienced through his naked eyes in his natural environs. The paintings were deeply portrayed by his up-close interpretations of plants' kingdoms while breathing like on an isolated pinnacle.
Chhatrapati Sri Dibyaranjan Biswal
Drawing inspiration from Odisha’s iconic wooden dolls, the painting transforms these humble handcrafted forms into evocative symbols of heritage and continuity. The stylized birds at the center of the composition echo the aesthetic simplicity of traditional toys, yet they carry a deeper emotional and cultural resonance. Their painted surfaces, rich in color and detail, reflect the enduring spirit of artisanal craftsmanship.
Positioned beneath dark umbrellas, the two birds appear in quiet companionship—suggesting protection, resilience, and shared existence. The umbrellas themselves become more than objects; they emerge as metaphors of shelter, guardianship, and silent endurance.
The background unfolds into an aged urban landscape—weathered walls, intricately carved balconies, and architectural remnants that evoke the historic essence of Odisha’s towns. These elements collectively create a sense of nostalgia, anchoring the composition in a lived past filled with untold stories.
Above this scene, a solitary bird rests beneath a striking red umbrella, elevated and watchful. This figure assumes a symbolic role—almost as a sentinel of memory—bridging the earthly presence of the foreground with a more contemplative, timeless perspective.
In this visual realm, tradition is not static—it evolves, breathes, and finds new meaning. Through this piece, Biswal reimagines heritage as something living and eternal, where every form tells a story and every silence carries depth.