Susegad Exhibition Showcases Goa's Contemporary Art in Pune
The vibrant artistic spirit of Goa has found a new home in Pune. An exhibition titled Susegad opened its doors on January 16 at Monalisa Kalagram in Koregaon Park. This compelling showcase will remain on view until February 1, offering Pune residents a unique glimpse into Goa's contemporary art scene.
Artists Document Goa's Life and Anxieties
Goa, one of the world's most visited destinations, harbors rich stories often told quietly through art. Local artists capture the essence of Goan life, landscapes, and cultural anxieties using diverse mediums like sculpture, painting, and performance. The Susegad exhibition brings this artistic vocabulary directly to Pune, creating a cultural bridge between the two regions.
Artist Subodh Kerkar, who left his medical profession in 1990 to pursue art, highlights a significant challenge. "Goa boasts fifteen to twenty exceptional artists who rival any national or international contemporary creators. They make avant-garde statements, yet limited gallery spaces restrict their exposure," he explains. Kerkar considers himself fortunate to have achieved global recognition through his conceptual works, land art, and performance pieces.
Prominent Goan Artists Featured
Curated by Subodh Kerkar and Lisa Pingale of Monalisa Kalagram, the exhibition presents works from several notable Goan artists. Visitors can explore Viraj Naik's hybrid forms that blur human and animal boundaries. Pradeep Naik offers landscapes that balance rootedness with abstraction.
The display includes a poignant sculpture by Santosh Morajkar, who passed away just a week before the exhibition at age fifty. His wife, Chaitali Morajkar, originally from Pune, showcases works on pots inspired by traditional kudnem cooking vessels. Other contributors include charcoal artist Harshada Kerkar with her powerful creations, figurative artist Shripad Gurav depicting quintessential Goan scenes, and Vitesh Naik providing layered figurative perspectives of the state.
Special Events and Cultural Insights
As part of the exhibition, Harshada Kerkar will deliver a talk titled Glimpses of Goa's History at the venue on January 18 at 6 pm. Subodh Kerkar notes that Goan artists consistently incorporate local elements into their work. "Fishermen, oceans, toddy tappers, and palm trees all find expression. There are also reflections on a changing Goa, including concerns about rapid construction growth. This exhibition essentially brings a piece of Goa to Pune," he states.
Kerkar himself contributes a painting and two sculptures crafted from old wooden boats. He collects discarded fishing boats and transforms them into sculptural forms, giving them new artistic life. Lisa Pingale observes strong public interest, noting Pune's curiosity about Goan artists who have developed a distinct identity. "These artists convey meaningful messages rather than creating merely decorative pieces. Subodh Kerkar plays a crucial role in this, as his works remain deeply rooted in Goan history and culture," she remarks.
The Museum of Goa, founded by Kerkar, stands as one of India's largest privately owned contemporary art spaces. It serves as a vital platform for Goan artists, further emphasizing the importance of exhibitions like Susegad in expanding their reach beyond state borders.
