Indian Red

“Indian Red” is a solo exhibition of artist Jagannath Mohapatra whose works capture the innocent, emotional yet resilient world of children, be it in their playful freedom or their premature brush with responsibility. Trained at prestigious institutions like Ravindra Bharti University and Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Mohapatra brings personal empathy and storytelling to his paintings shaped by his own humble beginnings in Orissa.

Inspired by real encounters with child labourers and working children, Jagannath’s paintings reflect the lived experiences and a deep observation of their lives. Be it crossing highways to reach school, working at chai stalls, or carrying paddy sacks to earn a living, these realities are captured in his works. These are not meant to advocate or promote a cause but are visual narratives for the viewers to self-reflect and draw their own conclusions.

To emphasize the pressure faced by children to build a life regardless of their background, Mohapatra uses construction sites and architectural elements as metaphors. Although his works showcase some sensitive issues, it is not disturbing but rather therapeutic. He infuses the natural egolessness and enthusiasm of childhood despite the hardships these budding lives face in such an early stage.

With compositions like one inspired by ‘Prathamashtami’, a regional festival celebrating young children with new clothes. Mohapatra presents poetic and symbolic visuals, like a girl joyfully clutching new garments, resembling a bird ready to fly. His canvas merges reality and fiction, framed within a thematic narrative with minimal imagery and deep emotional undercurrents hidden in the mundane life.

The title”Indian Red” is chosen by the artist to give to these children who will be making the ‘future-India’, and captures their spirit in ways both intimate and universally human.