As the temperature fell below 12 degrees Celsius, as is characteristic for the hilly tracts of Damanjodi block in Odisha’s Koraput, the artists at a winter art camp held here in the last week of November 2024 were least affected. They were immersed in recreating scenes of tranquility from their surroundings.
All of them seemed like monks in deep meditation, trying to listen to the sounds of the forest and recreate what they were experiencing on paper.
This was an august gathering of artists from Odisha and neighbouring states who were busy portraying phenomena like the first light, the sunset, the aurora in the sky, a village in winter, tribal women and many other themes that arrest an onlooker’s attention.
Fodder for creativity
Koraput, known as the Switzerland of Odisha, has a lot of things to feed an artist’s imagination. From the picturesque rolling hills of the eastern ghats to surrounding valleys, from farmlands to the endless grasslands, Koraput never fails to mesmerise.
The art camp was held in the village of ‘Dumuripadara’, nearer some of the popular tourist destinations like Deomali – the highest peak of Odisha, Putsil valley, numerous waterfalls and wild streams.
Those scenic views of Koraput never disappoint creative people, and this was true for the artists too, who were invited to the winter art camp.
“Those scenic views of Koraput never disappoint creative people, and this was true for the artists too, who were invited to the winter art camp. This region offers something unique to artists to fill their canvases with,” says Ashok Kar, noted playwright and coordinator of the art camp, organised by Udyossa.
He adds, “Previously, undivided Koraput was considered a hub for left-wing extremism. But now the situation has improved. The only purpose of this art workshop in this rural area is to promote its culture and natural beauty, which still remains ‘terra incognita’ for people outside Odisha.”
Capturing the silence
It was a first-of-a-kind initiative in the rural hinterland of the Koraput district. Prominent artists from Odisha, West Bengal and Jharkhand participated in this four-day long workshop, a platform to share their ideas on art and aesthetics.
Tapan Roy, an artist from Jharkhand, had never expected that someday he would be able to capture the silence of nature on his canvas. But upon arrival at the art camp, he felt this intangible dream would soon become a reality.
Roy says, “I have participated in many workshops across the country, and got many opportunities to showcase my art in different places. But I never experienced the silence of nature anywhere, which is missing in some popular travel destinations or cities of India, as these are flooded with tourists.”
“And I always had that desire to portray the silence of nature on my canvas, something I was able to do at Koraput. I think art camps like this should be held for a month-long duration,” he adds.
Importance of rural art workshops
Nani Gopal Saha, an artist from Kolkata, was a participant in this art camp. After 21 years of service in the Border Security Force, he continues his passion for art.
As a security personnel posted in high-risk zones like Kashmir valley, he has seen the struggles of life very closely, and now he has devoted himself completely to portraying the nuances of life through art.
Saha feels there is a need to conduct more art workshops in rural areas.
“Rural art camps can help local children and students of tribal communities to gain more insights into art forms. It can inspire them to develop and showcase their art and culture,” says Saha.
Roy, who agrees with Saha, emphasises the importance of organising art camps in rural areas, and advocates that art workshops should not be confined to cities and urban areas.
“Like Koraput, rural lands are full of interesting stories and frames. We can present them either through words or pictures. I strongly believe that painting is one of the most effective means of storytelling. One can never forget a piece of good art, because it leaves a lasting impression on our minds,” explains Roy.
Potential benefits
Koraput, situated in the southern part of Odisha, is home to several particularly vulnerable tribal groups(PVTGs) like the Kondhs, Parajas and Bondas.
They have a simple way of living, enriched with exquisite art forms, distinct languages and a different worldview. Saha stressed the point that art can act as a medium to present the folk culture and local traditions at a global level.
“The paintings of this workshop are going to be showcased at national exhibitions, promoting the tribal lifestyle, rich culture and charming landscape of Koraput. We are planning to organise similar workshops in the coming years,” reveals Kar.
As the world seems to be shrinking in this age of globalisation, art camps in such remote locations can help preserve community traditions and local lores for a global audience, thereby fostering a cross-cultural understanding. Hopefully, we’ll see more such initiatives!
The lead image on top depicts renowned artists from various parts of India immersed in painting during an art camp held at Dumuripadara village in Odisha’s Koraput region. (Photo courtesy Udyossa)
Satyabrata Panigrahy is a feature writer who writes on science, art and culture.
