I AM WITH NATURE – II | Exhibition of Paintings

Bringing together Art, Culture and Nature
26-31 March 2025
Lalit Kala Akademi, Regional Centre Gallery, Bhubaneswar

The ‘I AM WITH NATURE’ Exhibition of Paintings, organised by Ketaki Foundation Trust, was inaugurated on 26th March 2025 at the Lalit Kala Akademi, Regional Centre Gallery, Bhubaneswar. The exhibition brought together the works of ten eminent Odia artists and showcased 20 paintings created during the Lulung Painters’ Camp 2024, held at the Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Mayurbhanj, from 10th to 15th September 2024.

The inaugural ceremony witnessed the august presence of Prof. Prasan K Swain, Vice-Chancellor, Utkal University of Culture; Padma Shri Adwaita Gadanayak, renowned sculptor; Ramakrishna Vedala, Regional Secretary, Lalit Kala Akademi, Bhubaneswar; and Ramahari Jena, Convenor of the Lulung Painters’ Camp 2024 along with Dr. Samrat Gouda, IFS. The event also marked the release of a special catalogue that captures the artists’ engagement with nature and their reflections on their creative journey.

20 paintings of Odia painters of repute based in different parts of the country were showcased in the exhibition. These artworks were created during the ‘Lulung Painters’ Camp 2024’ held at the Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Mayurbhanj. Alongside the main showcase, paintings by schoolchildren and Jhoti-Chita artworks by tribal women of Lulung village—produced during special workshops—were also on display, making it a truly inclusive artistic celebration.

The exhibition drew a diverse audience, including art enthusiasts, students, scholars, and members of the local community. Visitors praised the immersive atmosphere and the evocative portrayal of Similipal’s pristine wilderness, celebrating the blend of contemporary expression with indigenous traditions.

Speaking at the inauguration, Padma Shri Adwaita Gadanayak emphasized the importance of nature as an inspiration for artistic endeavors and commended the initiative for creating a space where contemporary art meets indigenous traditions. Prof. Prasan K Swain lauded the exhibition for promoting Odisha’s rich artistic heritage and encouraging creative dialogue between artists and local communities. Dr. Gouda assured all help for a photography camp in Similipal.

Ketaki Foundation Trust expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the participating artists, visitors, and supporters. The event’s resounding success has inspired plans to make ‘I AM WITH NATURE’ a recurring platform that nurtures creativity rooted in ecology and culture.

Background

The Lulung Painters’ Camp 2024 was organised from 17th to 21st March 2024 at Aranya Nivas, Lulung, nestled in the pristine environs of the Similipal Biosphere Reserve Forest, Mayurbhanj, Odisha. Ten eminent Odia artists participated in the camp, engaging directly with unspoilt nature through jungle trails and heritage visits across Baripada, including the Belgadia Palace. The immersive experience offered rich cultural and ecological insights. Special workshops for schoolchildren and women from the tribal community of Lulung provided a unique opportunity for artistic interaction, resulting in a vibrant collection of children’s paintings and traditional Jhoti-Chita art.

Dr. Samrat Gouda was felicitated with a traditional scarf and a memento as a token of respect and gratitude for his support.

Sourabha Gouda engaged in a thoughtful exchange with guests, reflecting on the inspiration behind her painting.

Guests and art enthusiasts gathered for the inauguration of the ‘I AM WITH NATURE’ exhibition of paintings.