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The Rape of Goa - A photo documentary
by
Rajan P. Parrikar
Venue: Menezes Braganza Art Gallery, Panjim, May 21-24, 2008
http://www.parrikar.org/misc/doc-notice.pdf
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As a school kid in the primary, I was always kind of fascinated with
art. Whenever I had the opportunity, I would pick up the pencils and
the colours and even though I was not exactly a prodigy in this field,
I would put in lot of efforts and would eventually end up doing a
fairly good job. I participated in art competitions on quite a few
occasions and I still cherish the couple of prizes I won during those.
My hobby however did not last much long and I gradually got hooked to
sports, especially Chess and Table Tennis.
Today, though I have not pursued art as a profession, my passion for
appreciating art and creativity has not dwindled one wee bit. With
the Kala Academy being a stone's throw away from my house, I do
many-a-times make it a point to visit art exhibitions that are held
there. During our festivals too, I never miss out the opportunity to
have a look at the various Sarvojanik Ganpatis, the Narkasurs, the
Christmas cribs and the floats at Shigmo and Carnival Parades.
When I first had a look at Hussein's Bharatmata Painting, I found it
to be a very creative piece of art; quite eye-catching and stunning. I
was pretty much surprised when there was such a hue and cry over it;
as in my opinion this painting was nothing short of breathtaking.
Interestingly, this is what the Hon' ble Delhi High Court had to say
about the said painting in its most recent judgment:
"An attempt to understand the said painting from the
artist's/petitioner's perspective would show how the painter by way of
an abstract expression has tried to elucidate the concept of a nation
in the form of a distressed woman."
This beautiful work of Art actually inspired me to revive the
nostalgic moments of my past and get back at my art hobby, at least
for a couple of days. This happened during the height of the Regional
Plan 2007 stir, when Miguel Braganza coordinated a Poster competition
for one of his organizations. I picked up my paint brush and my
colours and with due trial and error methods and lots of huffs and
puffs, my otherwise lazy body actually managed to conjure up a
colourful poster.
I borrowed from Hussein's Bharatmata concept, merged it with the story
of crucifixion of Christ and came out with my own hybrid concept.
"The Crucified Goamata" was thus born: Mother Goa on the Cross shown
being brutally attacked by our Goan Politicians. The slogan I used
was "Goa is being crucified. Your Action must for Goa's Resurrection!"
I drew our Governor in it and a few politicians too that included the
Monster Rat who I gave the attire and appearance of a devil. Thanks to
Hussein and thanks to Miguel Braganza, I managed to do my own little
bit for the agitation.
While commenting on Hussein's art in general, Milroy Goes, my artist
friend from Cuncolim had this to say:
"An artist has a creative vision,
A subject which is left upto the people for a judgement.
It may be not upto your expectations.
Positive thought will describe the beauty,
and negative thought will always curse The Artist."
Truly eternal words of wisdom from my young friend!
Positive vibes from the painting inspired me to do something good for
our own beloved State. If only the ones who had taken to the street
had looked at this painting with an open mind and with positive
thoughts, they would have been inspired too. Unfortunately, they were
not conditioned to act that way. Radical Groups like the Sanatan
Sanstha and its offshoot the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti have brainwashed
them into acting and behaving like zombies. The day they come to terms
with that, they would realize that life is far more beautiful and
there is a lot more to cherish!
Cheers
Sandeep
P.S
We will discuss the beauty of all the other objectionable paintings in
the days to follow. I shall also try to get opinions from Renowned
Artists from Goa as and when time permits.
And hopefully, Miguel Braganza has preserved my masterpiece. :- ) I
would love to have it back some day and upload the same too, maybe
some time in the near future, though I think it would be a lot safer
with Miguel than with me.
