Noted Odisha painter, writer Dinanath Pathy passes away

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Aug 29:

Noted painter, writer and art historian Dr. Dinanath Pathy passed away this morning following a cardiac arrest at a private hospital in Odisha capital. He was 74.

According to sources, Pathy was admitted to the hospital after he complained of illness during his morning walk. He took his last breath there while undergoing treatment.

Pathy was known for his collaborations with German art historian Eberhard Fischer and his work with the Rietberg Society in Zurich, Switzerland. In 2014, he was nominated for the Rietberg Award, recognizing his lifetime work and contribution to Indian art history.

He was the founder Principal of B.K College of Art & Crafts here. He was the recipient of ‘President of India Silver Plaque’ for Painting. He published over 40 books on classical, traditional, tribal, folk, rural and contemporary art of Odisha.

He was well known for promoting Odia art all over the world, in addition to writing poetry and teaching. He began his work as a theatre curtain painter and went on to become the secretary of the National Academy of Art and Central Lalit Kala Akademi.

Condolences on his demise poured in from several quarters all over the world. Eminent socio-political leader and Chairman of SNSMT Shri. Suparno Satpathy tweeted, “Sad to learn about the demise of Dinanath Babu. We have lost a great painter and an encyclopedia of art history.”