Bridging Centuries

Honourable Chief Minister of Odisha Shri Naveen Patnaik has released a special IPCA publication titled “Bridging Centuries: An Artist’s Mirror On Kharavela And The Cave Carvings Of Udayagiri Hill”, in the presence of Ms. Paramita Panda, Founder Trustee, IPCA, Ms. Panchami Manoo Ukil, Chairperson, IPCA Working Committee, and Shri Syamsunder Pattanaik, veteran artist.

This art volume
shines a light on Odisha’s unique art heritage and cultural legacy. It showcases the seminal work of Syamsunder Pattanaik, veteran master artist and former curator of Odisha State Museum through a series of paintings by the artist that recreate the iconic carved panels in the caves of Udayagiri hill in Bhubaneswar. Unique and one-of-its kind, the publication is significant for public outreach as it captures the narrative of Emperor Kharavela’s reign depicted in the carvings and inscriptions of Udayagiri caves in the form of paintings.

Syamsunder Pattanaik, the artist, has also contributed to the interpretations of the carved panels in Udayagiri caves and the narratives contained therein, that is reflected in his paintings.

Designed as a coffee table publication, this volume reminds us of our ancient sculptural legacy and takes us through the reign of Emperor Kharavela, the major events of his rule, the spiritual context as well the art practices of the time. A special edition, it is an integral part of IPCA’s ongoing efforts to support documentation of Odisha’s precious art treasures, from ancient to modern. An important reason for IPCA bringing this edition to public limelight is the fact that the work on paintings was inspired and guided by our legendary leader Shri Biju Patnaik, who had asked the artist to recreate the cave carvings of Udayagiri as paintings, way back in early 1960s. In an apt culmination of that vision, years later, the book has been released today by Hon’ble CM, Shri Naveen Patnaik.

The coffee table book has been edited by Sukanya Rath and designed by ThirdEye.