Before the colours fade

Eminent visual artist Jagannath Panda says preserving fading art forms is deeply tied to cultural identity and collective memory. When an art form disappears, society loses not just an object but an entire way of thinking and understanding the world, he adds

- ANISHA KHATUN, OP

Odisha, a land where culture breathes through every ritual, festival and craft, has long been a cradle of extraordinary artistic traditions.

From the intricate scrolls of Pattachitra to the rhythmic patterns of palm-leaf engravings and the earthy elegance of terracotta, the state's art forms embody centuries of devotion, storytelling and community wisdom. These crafts are not merely decorative expressions; they are living archives that preserve mythology, folklore, spiritual beliefs and the intimate relationship between people and nature.

However, in today's rapidly modernising and digital-driven world, many of these priceless traditions stand at the brink of fading into obscurity. The lure of faster livelihoods and the growing dominance of mass-produced goods have slowly pushed these heritage crafts to the margins.

As World Art Day is around the corner, Sunday POST sat down with a few artists to understand their perspectives on preserving fading art forms and the future of traditional crafts in a rapidly changing world.

Contemporary visual artist Jagannath Panda believes that World Art Day is not only a moment to celebrate global artistic heritage but also an opportunity to reflect on the contributions of countless forgotten artists.