When we think about Goa, images of beaches, vibrant nightlife and laid-back charm often surface. But on Saturday, April 5, at Panjim's Kala Academy, artist and founder of the Museum of Goa, Dr Subodh Kerkar, invites us to journey beyond the postcard version.
In a much-anticipated lecture titled ‘Glimpses of Goa’s Histories’, Kerkar will delve deep into Goa’s rich, complex past, revealing stories that lie hidden beneath the surface of popular memory.
Organised by the Museum of Goa, Pilerne, the lecture is a confluence of art, history and identity, told through the eyes of an artist whose canvases have long echoed the spirit of his homeland.
The event also marks the launch of Goa: Subodh Kerkar’s Canvas, a book by cultural critic Kunal Ray, which documents Kerkar’s body of work and his enduring engagement with Goa’s heritage.
Unknowingly, it became a footnote to my works. Many of my artworks are inspired by stories of Goa —its architecture, colonial experiences, its people — and this history is very much represented in my creations.
Dr Subodh Kerkar, artist & and founder of the Museum of Goa, Pilerne
SHAPED BY THE OCEAN AND HISTORY
For nearly two decades, Dr Subodh Kerkar has been reimagining Goa’s cultural narrative through installations that blend nature, memory and political reflection. Speaking ahead of the lecture, Kerkar revealed how his creative journey has been inseparable from his fascination with Goa’s past.
“I have been very interested in Goa’s history for the last 15–20 years,” he says.
Organised by the Museum of Goa, Pilerne, the lecture is a confluence of art, history and identity, told through the eyes of an artist whose canvases have long echoed the spirit of his homeland.
“Unknowingly, it became a footnote to my works. Many of my artworks are inspired by stories of Goa —its architecture, colonial experiences, its people — and this history is very much represented in my creations.”
From evocative sand art on Goa’s shores to sculptures built from fishing tools and shells, Kerkar’s works are deeply rooted in the landscape and psyche of the region. But, it’s not just about the past; his work also seeks to stir conversations in the present.
Asked how he balances beauty with social commentary, Kerkar offers a perspective steeped in sincerity: “I don’t do any balancing acts. Whatever I create is based on my convictions and experiences. Any true, honest art has to emerge from sincerity.”
This ethos is evident in his installations that tackle difficult histories, such as the Goan Inquisition and the Portuguese slave trade — topics often brushed aside or softened in mainstream discourse.
“We must be aware of our history,” Kerkar insists. “We cannot be ignorant. It is through history that we learn and guide our future. But, we must also remember — present-day Portuguese or Catholics are not responsible for events that took place 500 years ago. We must approach this with respect and understanding.”
THE OCEAN AS MUSE
Which Goan doesn’t love the ocean. And so, very naturally, nature —particularly the ocean, is more than a theme in Kerkar’s work — it is a source of spiritual and creative sustenance.
“The ocean is my inspiration, my master and my muse,” he says. His installations often interact with natural elements, blurring the lines between the ephemeral and the eternal, between sculpture and setting.
This relationship with the environment is not accidental; it’s a reflection of Goa’s geography and identity — and of Kerkar’s belief in art’s ability to heal, connect and reflect.
We must also remember — present-day Portuguese or Catholics are not responsible for events that took place 500 years ago. We must approach this with respect and understanding.
Dr Subodh Kerkar, artist & and founder of the Museum of Goa, Pilerne
The lecture, Kerkar says, is meant to be a space for storytelling and reflection. “We will explore stories of Goa, from its architecture and food to its culture and diaspora. Goa’s history is not only Goan history — it’s a part of India’s larger story.”
The event also marks the launch of Kunal Ray’s book, Goa: Subodh Kerkar’s Canvas, which chronicles the artist’s unique ability to fuse visual art with heritage and resistance.
“Subodh’s artwork exists at the confluence of aesthetics and social consciousness,” says Ray, who teaches literary and cultural studies at FLAME University. “The book intimately engages with both historical events and the daily fabric of Goan life.”
Kunay Ray says, “Goa: Subodh Kerkar's Canvas is a realisation of a friendship, and my appreciation for an artist whose work has introduced me to many facets of Goan life and culture. Subodh's art is inter-disciplinary, immersive and thought provoking to say the least.”
Subodh’s artwork exists at the confluence of aesthetics and social consciousness. Subodh's art is interdisciplinary, immersive and thought provoking to say the least.
Kunay Ray, cultural critic
In times of social and political flux, Kerkar sees art as a vital force and not just for the decoration of walls — but as decoration of the soul, he explains.
“Art plays a role to sort of liberalise us, take us away from fanaticism as it does not believe that ‘only this is right, and the other thing is wrong’. It helps us see the grey areas in life, to question, to doubt, and to become more humane. Art has the power to make us better people. And more than anything else, you become happy.”
This belief forms the cornerstone of the Museum of Goa’s mission: to use contemporary art to spark dialogue about identity, heritage, and the environment.
DETAILS
WHAT: 'Glimpses of Goa’s Histories' lecture by Dr Subodh Kerkar; and launch of Kunal Ray's book, Goa: Subodh Kerkar’s Canvas
WHERE: Kala Academy, Panjim
WHEN: Saturday, April 5, 2025
TIMINGS: 4 pm