In the quiet and unassuming village of Rejingtal, nestled deep within Odisha’s tribal heartland, a unique painting exhibition recently unfolded, showcasing the remarkable talents of artists whose daily lives are far removed from the conventional art world. These artists were not seasoned professionals; they were predominantly farmers and homemakers, their artistic skills hidden within the confines of their villages. The Odisha Lalit Kala Academy (OLKA) embarked on a transformative journey from Bhubaneswar, the bustling capital city, to Rejingtal in the Rayagada district, nearly 400 kilometers away, to bring this magical exhibition to life. The result was nothing short of breathtaking.
At the heart of this exhibition were Idital paintings, a traditional Saura tribal mural art form created by the Saura community. These paintings, made using rice powder on a backdrop of red oxide, hold immense cultural and ritual significance. There are sixty-two different types of Idital, each designed for specific occasions or rituals, serving as a means for the community to pay homage to their deities, ancestors, and to ensure the well-being of their villages. The Idital paintings depict a wide array of subjects, including village agriculture, hunting, harvesting, hills, tribal lifestyles, marriages, dances, worship of mud deities, various birds, animals, and insects.
Padma Shri Sudarshan Pattnaik, the renowned sand artist and president of OLKA, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Idital paintings are widely appreciated in the art world. Some Iditals adorn living rooms in cities. We wanted to see how Iditals are painted by their original creators in their own backyard. That was how the idea of holding a live exhibition in Rejingtal came through.”
OLKA recognized the artistic prowess of the Saura community and provided each artist with Rs. 10,000 for their mural paintings. This opportunity allowed these farmers and homemakers to showcase their talents to the world.
The painting exhibition, which commenced on September 28th and concluded on October 4th, featured over 50 Saura artists who painted their own houses with Iditals—a tradition they have upheld for generations. The entire village transformed into an art gallery, leaving a profound impression on all who visited.
Mr. Pattnaik commented on the impact of the exhibition, saying, “The exhibition will surely ignite the minds of Saura painters who have remained confined to their villages and encourage them to look for markets to showcase their talents. The Saura have realized that their Iditals are not a dying art. There are many admirers of the art form.”
This unique and culturally significant exhibition not only celebrated the artistic heritage of the Saura community but also provided a platform for these talented individuals to receive the recognition they deserve, sparking hope and inspiration for future generations of Saura artists.
