There’s a saying in Marathi, Jithe pikate, tithe vikat nahi meaning ‘where it grows, it never sells’. The same is true with writers or artists who gain world recognition for their works but sadly, are lesser known in their own hometown. Vamona Navelcar “ an artist of Goan origin who has expressed himself in a number of different styles and has had his works exhibited across the world winning innumerable awards and accolades “ is a living example of this.
Considered to be an integral part of the 20th century Portuguese art era much appreciated for his contribution to the art world, Vamona, who lived in Portugal and Mozambique for decades, decided to return home in 1982. But sadly, homecoming has only added much pain to his life and this septuagenarian now lives a quiet life of anonymity in his village of Pomburpa.
However, he has not been forgotten by everyone and a group of art lovers have now joined hands to honour Vamona by holding an art festival in his name as a tribute to this living legend. The festival Celebrating Vamona Navelcar will be held on May 1, 4 pm onwards atthe Dr Francisco Louis Gomes garden, Campal and is open to all. Artists “ budding, amateur or professional “ are invited with their canvasses, papers, colours and brushes to get creative on location “ the theme being ‘Present day Goa’.
“Monday evening will be a jamming of one of a kind “ with no sponsors and no entry fee, either. The chief guest, if any, would be the volunteers and the participants, including the little children who will exhibit their artistic talent on paper sitting in the lap of nature in the garden,” briefs Marius Fernandes, a resident of Pomburpa who initiated this get-together for a simple reason “ his love for art and his respect for this artist whose remarkable oeuvre spans several decades and who deserves a longstanding-due honour from his own state Goa.
The festival will begin with painting on the theme “ ‘Goa through your eyes’ at 4 pm. This will follow by music wherein the Goa Ghumot Group will play at 5 pm while other musicians are invited for an unplugged jam session. Conversations on Vamona by renowned art personalities Suhas Shilker and Nagesh Sardessai will begin at 6 pm followed by the screening of a film on Vamona at 7 pm and a Q & A session. The event will also display a special edition of Vamona’s biography penned by Anne Ketteringham and an auction of such 10 books signed by Vamona with a unique sketch by him.
Apart from sessions like face painting and drop-in for beginners, the festival also aims at creating the ‘Vamona Art Circle’ or ‘Vamona Square’ “ a meeting point where artists can meet and interact. Naming a street or a government building after him is also a suggestion besides initiating scholarships in his name.
