Upadhyay began her artistic journey by studying traditional folk art and has worked professionally for 16 years. She said her early training in folk forms gradually helped her develop an individual style.
"Initially, I used to study folk forms, and gradually, I started doing it in my own style. Apart from this, I have done some versatile work. When I was a student, I studied human anatomy and animal anatomy, which eventually helped me with my portraits," Upadhyay said.
Artist Manikana Upadhyay explaining her piece to the distinguished artists present. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS
The exhibition was inaugurated in the presence of artists Subrata Gangopadhyay, Samir Aich and Tapas Konar.
Upadhyay said she has participated in several group exhibitions and has previously held a solo exhibition at the Academy of Fine Arts. She described the latest showcase as her first solo exhibition in Kolkata since her first solo show in Tripura.
"There are in total 29 art pieces displayed here. I love painting and when people see and appreciate them, it makes me even happier. The first solo exhibition I did was at Tripura and from there this is also my first solo in Kolkata," she said.
The exhibition will remain open to visitors until August 10.
(Reporting by Aaheli Chakraborty, Photos by Avishek Mitra/IBNS)