Artist-writer-architect, Prafulla Mohanti's first job was to design the lavatories of the London Airport. After designing the first set of lavatories, he was asked to design another. Later when he was in Leeds, he was supporting himself for the full-time course in architecture and design. "I started drawing and painting, mainly to pass my loneliness. One day, I thought of selling some of them since the money would help. My first solo exhibition was at the Leeds University in 1964."
His work revolves around energy symbolism, taken from rural sources. His use of complimentary colours to form patterns that reflect a proto-tantric visual language. Prafulla Mohanti considers the Buddha and Gandhi as the greatest influences in his life.
His native Nanpur is in the midst of a veritable treasure-trove of ancient Buddhist artifacts.
