Purnna Behera is a notable contemporary Indian artist originally from Odisha. Born on March 5, 1982, he received his formal artistic training at the B.K. College of Art & Crafts in Bhubaneswar, earning his Bachelor’s degree in 2004 and his Master’s degree in Fine Arts in 2006.
Behera’s art is mostly created using mixed media and often carries a dreamlike, surreal quality. A major theme in his expressive paintings is the balance and division of roles between men and women in society. He highlights how different genders face unique challenges, contrasting the desire to build a dream home with the basic struggle for daily survival. Ultimately, his pieces advocate for complete gender equality.
His talent earned him a prestigious national scholarship for young artists from the Ministry of Culture in 2004, alongside several state-level art awards. Behera has showcased his work in many solo and group exhibitions across India and internationally, including shows in New Delhi, Bhubaneswar, and Tokyo, Japan. In 2017, he participated in a major exhibition alongside renowned artists like Jogen Chowdhury. The artist currently resides and works in New Delhi.
