THE HEART OF THE MATTER: ART ON THE GOAN SCENE
By Patricia Ann Alvares
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Painting takes you into itself and leads you into a different
world -- Francis D'Souza, Artist
Every art seems to have an inspiration in Goa.
Its contoured landscapes, unique history,
cultural heritage, tinged with an atmosphere of
social receptivity and mental freedom, are a
fertile ground for creativity.
One such creative instinct finds resonance in awe-inspiring
expressions on canvas. Home to some of the best artists in
the country, who have carved a niche for themselves on the
international circuit as well, Goa is making a strong
statement on the art scene.
A LATE BEGINNING
A confluence of various energies, Goa's artistic explorations
from the time of A X Trindade and F N Souza to present day
established artist like Mario Miranda, Viraj Naik, Francis De
Souza, Harshada Kerkar, Yolanda Souza Kammermeier to name a
few, lay bare the immense talent and coexistence of various
styles that are mulling around the canvases. But it remained
in the shadow for many years, until a heady tourism boom shot
it into the spotlight.
Parlaying to the demands of foreigners and art lovers alike
'The Flying Dutchman' gallery which opened in the 1990s and
later Yolanda Souza's Art Chamber, Galeria de Belas Artes
were to pave the way for art and art galleries in Goa.
Many a young artist like Suhas Shilker, Mohan Naik, Rajashree
Thakkar, it is said,were born here. From a group of four or
five artists, now all latent talent from the young and senior
artists, lecturers, and international artists found a
platform to showcase their work.
Two decades down the line, there are twenty odd
galleries, apart from museums and libraries in the
State. Now on an upward swing, art is demanding an
attention and price like never before.
PERFECT DESTINATION
"Goa's art is definitely upbeat in terms of appreciation.
Different styles of art have been brought into focus. Also
artists from outside Goa have been showcasing their work
here," affirms renowned contemporary artist Francis De Souza
pointing to a growing awareness to art.
With more local talent emerging, infusion of international
art in terms of both foreigners and non-Goans showing casing
their work in Goa, non-resident Goan artists returning to
base to reveal their canvases and the subsequent emergence of
various styles being exhibited are all contributory factors.
Viraj Naik, an artist whose works have been
exhibited at prized galleries around the world,
says, "Goa is a great art hub for India. We have
the perfect backdrop here in terms of heritage
sites to showcase works of art from all over the
world."
"Our cultural background is another plus," points out
abstract painter, Suhas Shilker. "Goans have access to and
are more open to Western culture and hence develop an eye for
art more easily," he avers.
KEEPING ART ALIVE
Artist Harshada Kerkar acknowledges the efforts of galleries
like Ruchika who are making concerted efforts to sensitize
people to various styles and forms of art and art work alike
with its art appreciation courses, lectures on art history
and so on. She says that in the long run this will help to
take art to a higher level.
"One doesn't necessarily have to buy art to appreciate it,"
admits Suhas Shilker "but by just viewing various styles,
understanding and developing a taste for it will go a long
way in the development of art for arts sake. People should
have the freedom to view art without the compulsion to view
anything as avant-garde," he adds.
To this end Viraj Naik says, "There should be regular art
exhibitions, rather than once-in-six-months, to showcase
various artists from Goa, India and abroad, that will open up
vistas and give people a better understanding and
appreciation of art," he suggests.
STYLE PROFUSION
Of the different styles prevailing, the figurative, nature,
surrealism and of late abstract art is what the Goan people
relate more to.
"There are quite a few art connoisseurs in Goa, but by and
large Goans are yet to acclimatize to contemporary art. Again
certain styles appeal locally, because they are more easily
understood, or because certain works are from well
established artists," points out Francis De Souza.
Abstract art is also getting its fair share of attention. "In
the past one year or two, people have been relating more
positively to abstract art," reveals Suhas Shilker
"Abstract painting in an individual preference and taste and
it is not yet an investors art, so we are happy with the fact
that if people do buy this art, its because they genuinely
appreciate the same," he adds.
IT'S AN ART ACHE
But simmering under the canvases, the art scene is fragmented
by oddities and hurdles that are hampering its growth
potential. Not from a dearth of talent, but apparently from
a lack of organization, discipline and direction,
individuality and innovation, absence of well anchored
galleries and paucity of professional curators and
entrepreneurs.
"Professionals are the need of the hour," admits Viraj Naik
to give art its right direction and exposure.
As of now, most art galleries are owned by artists
themselves, who not only showcase their own work,
but have to promote, distribute and sell it. An
absolute deterrent for any committed artist who
needs to concentrate on his art for which reason,
internationally renowned artist Viraj Naik says, "I
leave this business to the professionals"
For this to come about, the gallery culture must develop for
art to sustain itself. This is something most artists agree
over, and feel the need for professional curators to act as a
third eye and give work that quality and direction.
This would encourage outside artists to showcase their work
here and in turn give Goan artists a wider market and a
greater collaboration. The benefits of which they agree are
mutual and immense.
"Goan artists need to expose and showcase their work outside
Goa, and, in turn, Goa needs to invite more outside artists
to our State," Viraj Naik says explaining the need for more
visibility and exposure of Goa's art in various art galleries
around India and abroad.
The same holds true when international and Indian artists
showcase their work here.
KA-CHING
The term 'art consciousness' may be a little dubious in the
present context of skyrocketing prices. Art and cheques are
exchanged over champagne and hor de oeuvres at glitzy art
exhibitions, the art itself of little consequence.
"There is a growing art consciousness," admits Harshada
Kerkar, "but there is huge confusion. A widening economy has
given rise to the nouveau rich who treat art as an investment
or a social statement without actually appreciating it and
who are guided by the growing tribe of 'art consultants.'
This in turn has created a market hype and in the
past year or so, the prices have shot through the
roof," she says, reminiscing the time when she
sold her work differently. Earlier people bought
my work, without even knowing my profile, she
reveals.
Sales today are prompted equally by appreciation and
investment considerations. "While there is a growing
appreciation of art, a lot of people are also buying art,
especially of established artists, as an investment,
anticipating a huge resale value," agrees Francis De Souza.
Pointing to a turn in the sales graphs in recent times he
reveals, "For a long time only foreigners bought art. Today
more Indians and Goans are buying art."
BE UNIQUE
Following the herd instinct and churning out stereotype work,
many artists are chasing the quick road to instant riches and
fame shirking innovation and individuality. These
unfortunately are short lived.
Established artists urge youngsters to use every
means at their disposal today to understand, learn,
explore art and to develop their own
individualistic style whilst constantly innovating
it. Only then can they hope to hold their own and
remain in a fiercely competitive market.
The new kid on the block, expressionist artist Shilpa
Nasnolkar, Saligao, sold paintings at her very first
exhibition. She affirms: "People have noticed me as an artist
and I feel appreciated. Youngsters do have good
opportunities, but their work has to speak for itself and, if
it does, there is no stopping. I met people through my work,
contacts build up, a good word passes. It is slow, but it
will surely happen. I was also very fortunate to have good
mentors to guide me."
Citing his own experience, Viraj Naik says, "I worked for
years, learning, exploring, travelling, studying and viewing
all art forms and I was able to develop and cultivate my own
individualistic style. My hard work and struggle has paid
off in the long run, because I have been able to contribute
aesthetically to my work." He underlines the importance of a
right approach to art.
"Everything follows from passion," concurs Francis
De Souza speaking of his commitment to art. "I was
so passionate about art and learning it that I
walked to from Mapusa to Panjim everyday to attend
classes at Art College," he reveals.
Earlier only if one was well established or in their fifties,
they could command a good price, today even people as young
as 22 demand an equally high price. With technological
advances at our disposal, visibility, distribution has become
much easier. Talented young artists like Viraj Naik, Norman
Tagore, Julio, Sonatina Mendes to name a few fall in this
category, reveals one established artist.
With such enormous changes happening on the art scene it is
lamented that art education still remains at low ebb in the
State. To nurture creativity, it is hoped that the Art
College brings more energy and perspective into their curriculum.
Art it is said is like an energy it never dies, it only
changes form and only when talent is complemented with
passion and perseverance can it reach its true worth. (First
published in Weekender/Gomantak Times.)
