Art gallery at Biju Patnaik Airport

Biju Patnaik Airport Bhubaneswar authorities has decided to set up two art galleries on its premises soon, where artworks of Odisha’s artists will be exhibited and will be available for sale.

The galleries will be set up in the first floor of the new airport terminal, which will be ready within a couple of months, sources said. The state’s arts and crafts have also been highlighted in the lobby of the new terminal, with stone carvings, pattachitra and masks of the state adorning its interiors.

Such art galleries are a common feature in international airports in foreign countries, though the concept is not so popular in India yet. An expert committee will be formed to select artists, whose works will be displayed in the galleries.

“Odisha is rich in traditional arts and crafts and Odia painters and sculptures have created a niche for themselves in the art world. Since Biju Patnaik Airport will soon be converted into an International airport, the art galleries will help indigenous artists get a good platform,” said airport director Sharad Kumar.

“At a time we can accommodate artworks of as many as 15 artists. The art works will be changed on a rotation basis every month. So in a year we can display the art works of at least 200 artists. Moreover, mobile phone numbers of artists will be provided in the galleries so that art lovers can directly interact with them before making a purchase,” said Kumar.

Noted painter and visualizer of the airport art gallery, Dinanath Pathy, said, “This initiative will definitely make some difference in the art scene of Odisha where people don’t invest in art. However, there is a need for more support from the state government to promote art and artists in the state. An art gallery is much-needed in the city.” (Source – The Times of India)