An exhibition titled 'Belonging' at Sol Gallery in Melbourne features works by artists from Odisha, India, including Gajendra Prasad Sahu and Chhatrapati Sri Dibyaranjan Biswal, alongside five other artists—Nandita Chakraborty, Nitasha Malik, Rajvi Saria, Shipra Anand, and Samaya Tiwary. Sahu's nature-inspired paintings and Biswal's motifs of Odisha's wooden dolls and umbrellas are showcased in Space 1-2, while the Project Room presents the 'Belonging' series exploring identity, heritage, and emotional connection. Proceeds from Sahu's exhibits support an old-age home he runs in Odisha.
This exhibition matters because it highlights the growing visibility of Indian diaspora artists in Australia, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and preserving regional heritage. The works address themes of belonging, feminine strength, and the safeguarding of traditional crafts, resonating with broader conversations about identity and cultural preservation in a globalized art world. The inclusion of proceeds for social causes also underscores art's role in community support.