Miniature artist from Odisha makes a mark in the field of art

Lingaraj Mahasuar who started by making a portrait of ‘Kalia’ (Lord Jagannath) from almond has moved on to use even discarded stuff and can churn out impressive art within an hour.

Bhubaneswar: A 28-year-old miniature artist from Odisha's capital city is making a name for himself due to the flawless and beautiful portraits made out of coins, ice cream sticks, ‘Teja Patta’ (spice), bread, cashew nuts and matchboxes.

Lingaraj Mahasuar who started by making a portrait of ‘Kalia’ (Lord Jagannath) from almond has moved on to use even discarded stuff and can churn out impressive art within an hour.

Passersby always stop to look at and appreciate the life-like creation of the artist.

While he is a temple servitor by profession, by obsession he is a miniature artist.

After completing his plus two Commerce course, he was engaged in the ritualistic service of Lord Lingaraj and was giving second priority to his artistic works keeping in view the traditional business of the family.

However, because of the Coronavirus pandemic, while the temple has remained closed for the last seven months, he is now devoting two hours daily for his artistic works.

Without any formal training, Lingaraj has started drawing artistic portraits. But these small artistic works have given him a new identity and also he has been drawing accolades for the same.

His artistic pictures have great demand not only in the Bhubaneshwar but also outside the state. Many people are highly appreciating his artworks and place orders through social media too.

Now Lingaraj is trying to make a business from his artistic works.

Lingaraj aims to exhibit his talent at the state level and if given adequate assistance and cooperation, his flawless artworks would find the correct path.