Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida inaugurated the first edition of the much-awaited Odisha Craft Odyssey (OCO) Exhibition at Lalit Kala Akademi, Bhubaneswar, on 5 September.
Deputy Chief Minister Shrimati Parida is in charge of for Mission Shakti, Women & Child Development and Tourism appreciated this unique cultural event.
Anita Subhadarshini, Member of Parliament from Aska graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour.
MGM Group CMD Pankaj Lochan Mohanty has all along been promoting art and culture of Odisha graced the exhibition ceremony.
MGM Group Whole Time Director Siddhartha Mohanty is the brain behind such effort coordinated the entire ceremony.
The exhibition has been curated by Premjish Achari, who brings a fresh perspective to the cultural legacy of Odisha.
Speaking about the event, Shri Achari remarked, “Apart from being a conventional exhibition on craft or an art exhibition, the Open Day exhibition of Odisha Craft Odyssey presents a platform for groundbreaking research into the complex cultural domain of Odisha’s bell metal workers.
Through the in-depth exploration of research as a process, we aim to uncover the hidden narratives and the everyday struggles, amidst the innovative developments employed by these skilled makers. This research-led exhibition presents this complex cultural domain in a thought- provoking and critical manner. Through this discourse building, we aspire to generate a newappreciation for the legacy of Odisha’s living practices, especially bell metal crafts, to foster a deeper connection between the artisans and their circuits of reception.”
Renowned artist Jagannath Panda, the Mentor of Bhubaneswar Experimental Art and Design Studio (BEADS), added, “Our life is rooted in the timeless traditions of Odisha, where every craft tells a story of the land and its people. We aspire to weave creativity and innovation into the indigenous art forms, breathing new life into the heritage that continues to inspire, evolve, and celebrate our life.”
Odisha Craft Odyssey is a collaborative effort between MGM Foundation and BEADS, aiming to foster an inclusive cultural landscape that recognizes and celebrates the artistic value of craft. This edition of OCO focuses on the bell metal workers of Balakati, a community near Bhubaneswar with a rich heritage of metalworking deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of Odisha.
The event has received invaluable support from the Kansari Paribara Bikasa O Unnayana Parishad, Rathijema, Balakati, ensuring that the legacy of these artisans is preserved and celebrated.
The exhibition is open to the public 5-6 September, offering an immersive experience that goes beyond the conventional boundaries of craft exhibitions.
Visitors enjoyed a thoughtful exploration of the intersection of tradition and innovation, showcasing the enduring significance of Odisha’s bell metal craftsmanship.