Modern art gallery eludes city

BHUBANESWAR: A treasure trove of artworks, covered in layers of dust,  is rotting in the State Lalit Kala Akademi gallery of the State Museum. Sans maintenance, many works of well-known artists are also running to seed in a nearby small storehouse.  In the absence of adequate space, the akademi officials are unable to store artworks that are procured from various parts of the State as its collection through art exhibitions. Worse, the gallery does not even have a curator. Members of artists’ fraternity lamented that despite the rich art heritage of the State, the Government is yet to take steps to set up a proper gallery in the Capital. Art historian and former president of the akademi Dinanath Pathi said a modern art gallery was a necessity to store rare works of Odia artists for posterity. “There is an aesthetic vacuum and this needs to be taken care of,” he said. Though there are plans to set up a modern art gallery in the Capital and renovate the existing akademi gallery, works are moving at a snail’s pace. The State Government had last year initiated an action plan for development of a modern art gallery. As per the plan, the existing building near the State Museum was to be renovated and developed into a three-storey art gallery.  The Government had been advised to develop the gallery in accordance with requirements of the artistic community with international-standard lighting and colouring. However, the architecture of the building is yet to be finalised. Director of Culture Sushil Kumar Das said renowned architect S S Ray had been roped in for creating the architectural design. “The design is yet to be finalised. After the Chief Minister’s approval, tenders will be floated for construction work. The work will be completed in six months at an estimated cost of ` 1 crore,” Das said. On renovation of the art gallery in the State Museum, Das said it would be done along with construction of four new galleries in the museum. Besides the State Lalit Kala Akademi gallery, the City has Central Lalit Kala Akademi gallery at the Regional Art Centre, and privately-run Odisha Modern Art Gallery. “None of these, however, fulfills the basic requirements and has modern facilities associated with a standard art gallery. None has architectural compatibility for spatial balancing, proper lighting provision and storage facility,” Pathi said. There are also Soochana Bhavan and State Information Centre where art exhibitions are held occasionally. Barring the State Lalit Kala Akademi gallery, other spaces need to be hired to put up shows.