Mammoth

This glorious example of Orissan art shows that the artist is not bound within socio-religious themes, as is erroneously presupposed. His imagination knows no bounds. Mythical, legendary, imaginary, all kinds of subject matter are there as a visual celebration. The artist has adapted well to the change in taste and sensibilities of the viewer.

This painting which has a liberal use of gold depicts the energies of various animals, making up one imaginary animal. the elephant head is the fountainhead of wisdom, followed by the curly haired mane of a horse. Horns on the head belong to a stag and the wings to those of a legendary animal. The graceful body belongs to a lion, fierce in nature. But the body ends in a tail belonging to the gentle peacock, a symbol of royalty. The animal has feet like a dragon, firmly on the ground, inspite of the presence of wings.

This description by Renu Rana.