PANAJI
Starting from April 4, over 100 artefacts from the Museum of Christian Art (MoCA), Goa can be viewed online on Google Arts & Culture by people around the world due to a new partnership between Google and the institution. The users will be able to see details of art objects at https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/moca-museum-of-christian-art
Three specially curated virtual exhibits have been developed for the online visitors. The digital exhibitions tell the story of the life of Christ, Saint Francis Xavier and Sacred Textiles, through the art objects from the Museum’s collection. The story of Jesus’ life has been narrated over the centuries in different ways and through different mediums. One such interpretation of his life can be seen in the Indo-Portuguese Christian art, from the collection of the Museum of Christian Art (MoCA), Goa. Poignant events from the life of Christ have been highlighted in this exhibition. Also, the journey of a popular Christian saint, Saint Francis Xavier, from his place of birth in Navarra (Spain) to his final resting place at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa has been shown.
India has a rich textile tradition represented by artists and groups from all over the subcontinent who have produced textiles meant for religious as well as social use. This exhibition also, brings to light the ritual significance of the Christian religious textiles, and their harmonious blend with designs and techniques of the Indian textile heritage. Frame with Virgin and Child has multiple narrow frames which are intricately carved with floral and animal motifs. A prominent feature of this banner is the carved ivory embroidered as the face, hands and feet of Saint Joseph and the Infant Jesus in his arms. A detailed image of this object allows viewers to get a better visual of the embroidered ivory, a feature unique to the textiles produced in Goa.
Natasha Fernandes, curator of Museum of Christian Art (MoCA), Goa stated, “The use of innovative technology to make art more accessible to visitors around the world has become very important, especially during this pandemic. Being featured on Google Arts & Culture will boost MoCA’s unique collection’s visibility, globally. Besides viewing the MoCA collection, online visitors will also get a better understanding of the objects, the purpose for which they were made as well as their unique artistic elements, through the online exhibitions.”
