Are you truly interested in seeing Goa beyond the beaches, beyond its nightlife, beyond its architectural heritage? Have you been to the lanes of Fontainhas, clicked numerous pictures of yourself and your friends against the walls of people’s houses?
If you’ve done that or are doing that, well, just walk a little further along the Fontainhas lane and you will come to this white storied structure of the colonial era, with a board announcing that it is the office of the Fundação Oriente. Don’t turn away from the gate, for this is no ordinary office. Within the house is an art gallery that is worth visiting, even marvelling at.
Antonio Xavier Trindade permanent art at Fundacao Oriente has received some additional works of the artist.
The offices of the Fundação Oriente (Orient Foundation) houses the Antonio Xavier Trindade permanent art gallery that was opened over a decade ago, but this week just got some additions.
So, even if you have been there and seen the paintings in the past, there is still a reason to go back for another visit. You won’t be disappointed. Besides, there is a new catalogue, worked on by Fatima Gracias and Paulo Gomes, that is a major value addition to the collection.
For those who do not know or have not heard of Antonio Xavier Trindade, he is an artist from Goa, who is often described as the Rembrandt of the East. Born in Sanguem in 1870, Trindade lived in Mumbai and was professor at Mumbai’s J J School of Art.
He was a recipient of the Mayo Silver Medal for artistic merit, and this medal is among others that are displayed at the gallery. In fact, this is one of the new additions to the gallery.
Born in Sanguem in 1870, Trindade lived in Mumbai and was professor at Mumbai’s J J School of Art.
Many of the pieces on display are portraits, for Trindade excelled in portrait painting and some of his best works, including a self portrait, are displayed at the gallery, besides other pieces and some drawings.
The works have come from the Trindade family collection and it was his family—grandchildren and great grandchildren—who initiated the move to have the paintings in Goa, the land of his birth and that he identified with.
The paintings are a treasure that Goa should take pride in and promote. Before this permanent gallery had been opened, the artist was hardly known in Goa, and whoever had seen his works had viewed them outside the state. The paintings coming to Goa awakened many to the genius of the artist.
Not only has Trindade been described as Rembrandt of the East, but fellow artists are quick to point out that he was one of the best that Goa has produced and one who made his mark in India despite his style having western influences.
Not only has Trindade been described as Rembrandt of the East, but fellow artists are quick to point out that he was one of the best that Goa has produced
Goa has many artists, some are indeed great and when their works come up at auctions, are bid for furiously. Some examples are of Vasudev Gaitonde and F N Souza, that have gone for record amounts. There are many others who have made a name for themselves in the art world.
If Goa intends to give tourists a look at different aspects of its heritage and culture – other than its beaches that is – galleries displaying the art of its best artists are necessary. The Trindade collection is on display at a private gallery, but the Goa government must work on creating galleries of the art of its other great painters.
These artists are not just assets to Goa, but their works could also be big draws to a different kind of tourist. Goa’s appeal lies beyond beaches and it is time that the State explored all the possibilities that lie away from the shores to bring tourists.
