Let a Thousand Flowers Bloom
by Dinanath Pathy

Let a Thousand Flowers Bloom: Contemporary Art of Orissa traces the evolution of art from the nineteenth century up to the last decade of the twentieth century. It focuses on a continuing tradition and its gradual transformation into an international art mode reflecting in it the contemporary nuances and aspirations. The tradition of temple murals, palmleaf manuscript paintings, pata paintings, Saura tribal paintings and Osakothi folk paintings were the factors that came together in diverse, eclectic, yet sustaining ways to shape the contemporary art of the State. The book makes a historical encounter with analytical anecdotes of an emerging Indian art trend. It speaks of a regional spell, virgin overawe and a future promise. It impresses the reader with the paraphernalia of an art movement trying to match the glory and distinction of its past art heritage.