CHRISTINE MACHADO
In 2017, the Viegas family from Caranzalem, set out on an adventure of a lifetime as they drove from Goa to Kuala Lumpur in their BMW SUV. A year later, Cecilia Viegas and her daughter Melinda are all set to share this once-in-a-lifetime experience through an art and photography exhibition titled Beyond Borders.
“We chose the name Beyond Borders since the most significant moment of our overland trip was when we crossed the Indo-Myanmar border and drove into foreign soil. Since ‘beyond borders’ also implies pushing ourselves beyond limits and making sure to give our best in whatever we do, the title seemed appropriate to us,” states Cecilia, who will be showcasing her art works.
Having dabbled in art for quite a few years, with a particular liking for landscapes, Cecilia took a break from art in 2012 when she noticed that there were no adequate English reference books to prepare Std XII students for their Goa HSSC board exam. She thus set about correcting this and has recently released her fourth book, whereupon she decided to return to her passion for art. “This exhibition is the perfect opportunity to showcase my work of a journey that is close to my heart,” she says.
Melinda on the other hand enjoys photography, having been introduced to it through her studies in Mass Communication. “Through my pictures I have tried to document the cultural history of the places we visited. Myanmar in particular has a very rich history,” she says.
The main purpose of this exhibition, they state, is for them to share some of the cultural nostalgia as well as support others to the possibility of a long-distance roadtrip. “When we were planning this trip, we didn’t know anyone else who had undertaken a similar trip in a four wheeler. So we hope that we can help and inspire others,” says Cecilia. In fact, apart from the works on display (25 in total), a detailed record on the international segment of the trip, covering the route, along with helpful travel tips on Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia, will also be put up.
Recollecting their fond memories of their trip, the duo believe that it is only through an overland journey that one can experience the true feel of the people and place. “We were able to visit places and monuments rarely seen by tourists,” says Melinda, while listing some of their fond memories which include crossing the Friendship Bridge into Myanmar that began the international segment of their journey, stopping at the Tropic of Cancer in Kalay, walking on the world’s longest wooden foot bridge in Amarapura, admiring the Golden Rock Pagoda, in Kyaiktiyo, relishing crocodile eggs and capturing a moment with a tiger in Samutpraken.
The exhibition, for which the planning began a month ago, will open on June 9 at Kala Academy. Part of the proceeds from sale of the art works and photographs, pertaining to the trip, will be donated to charity.
Through Beyond Borders, they states, they want to lay emphasis on leaving the four corners of one’s room, heading outdoors and going on more adventures. “You don’t necessarily need to go somewhere far but spend time doing more things out of your comfort zone which is risky but rewarding,” says Melinda.
And given that her husband and son are avid driving enthusiasts, Cecilia is pretty sure that there will be more overland trips in future. “Probably, Europe, next time!” she says laughing.
( ‘Beyond Borders’, an art and photography exhibition will open on June 9 at 11.30 am at Kala Academy, Panaji. It will remain on view till June 10)
