Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Sept 19: For 24-year-old Alpana Kar holding an exhibition of her own paintings was a dream come true. She got the chance to showcase her paintings along with those of her friend Manisha Samal.
The duo exhibited their works at an exhibition titled ‘Dristee’ organised by Modern Art Gallery and inaugurated by Raghu Mohapatra here Saturday. This is the first exhibition of both the artists.
Speaking to Orissa POST Alpana said, “Painting is a hobby. I never had any formal training in the fine arts. I learned it by experimenting on canvas since childhood. I never thought of holding an exhibition of my paintings.” Eleven of Alpana’s works are exhibited. She said, “I have made many paintings using acrylic and water colour on paper and canvas but have not glass-framed them. It was Manisha who insisted on a dual exhibition and I said ok.”
Speaking about theme of the exhibition she said, “We decided the theme to be Dristee as there are varieties of paintings and it is not necessary that a viewer will think the same way as the artist. Each viewer will have an interpretation.”
Twenty-six-year-old Manisha is very happy with the appreciation she has received from visitors and guests. She has exhibited around 32 paintings made from 2010 to 2015. “I wanted to hold an exhibition but never got any opportunity. Finally, one day I decided to hold one. All the paintings were made during 2010 to 2015. I do all kinds of paintings and try to experiment with new things. I try to follow different techniques I observe in the paintings of eminent artists.”
Like Alpana Manisha is also a self-made painter, as she, too, never had any formal training in painting. But she is planning to take formal training one day. “Though I never had any formal training but painting is something I love doing. I am planning to take formal training to master the different techniques,” she added.
Appreciating the work of both artists Raghu Mohapatra said, “Though the two girls never had any formal training their works are really beautiful. But I suggest them to take formal training which will help them develop their techniques and skills.”
The exhibition will continue till 25 September.