For both, Rudi D'Silva and his wife Evita Pereira e Silva, who hail from Benaulim in South Goa, art has been more about a deep aesthetic pursuit and a journey of constant evolution. And it all shows in their current exhibition, A Touch of the Divine, which is currently on at the Museum of Christian Art in Old Goa till April 22, 2025.
While Rudi's collection of charcoal drawings explores themes of faith and worship, Evita brings the delicate art of parchment craft (Pergamano) to the exhibition showcasing intricately designed crosses and angels.
It marks the husband-and-wife duo's third exhibition together, reinforcing their shared passion for spirituality in art.
Rudi's 15 charcoal works on display explore the challenging medium. "With charcoal, there is no room for mistake. You can't erase like you do with a pencil. Once you set your mind, you cannot get distracted," says the artist, a graduate in fine arts.
It took Rudi on average two weeks to complete a single work of charcoal art. "Charcoal art is slow. Each work has its own requirement where you build the tones gradually from light to dark," he describes. "Then you have to be careful not to cover the whites. If you cover the whites, you will not be able to get a pure white background for the black shades," he adds.
As an artist, Rudi has always set for himself a bar or standard that the art world works with. I first identify the highest standard set for a particular medium of art, and then work to match that standard, he says.
He has exhibited his works in Goa, India, France, UK, Italy, Finland and Japan. Whether it's Italy, France or London, art connoisseurs have bought my works which has inspired me to do better and keep up to the expectations of the art world, he says.
While Rudi's charcoal works are about contrast, his wife Evita’s works whisper in quiet tones of white, inviting the viewer to look closer, to feel deeper. Her pieces are ethereal—often evoking purity, stillness, and transcendence.
In this exhibition, their works are quite distinct from each other with Evita working more with light and Rudi's focus on shadows. However, adds Rudi, through this paradox they create a balance.
He recalls their previous collaboration in 2011, White and Rustic, also showcased the paradox—Rudi's watercolour paintings of aged tractors and weathered objects and Evita's serene whites. “That exhibition was about contrast too, but in a more physical way,” he says. “This time, it’s more spiritual.”
The proceeds of the works sold at this exhibition will go towards MoCA's efforts to conserve heritage, promote educational programmes and support cultural activities.
Rudi has used the best charcoal, the best papers and each work has attained a level to connect with those who see it. Whether it's Jesus' face, the rays falling from heaven or the wrinkled hands holding the rosary, every element has a touch of the divine.
And, inside the Santa Monica Church (an extension of MoCA), where Rudi and his wife's works are on display, A Touch of the Divine feels perfectly at home.