"Goa: Subodh Kerkar's Canvas" is a Chronicle of the State Through the Artist’s Eyes

Goa, a state flourishing with diverse cultures, flushing tides, and the daily rhythms of its fisherfolk, offers more than just a vibe—it holds a spirit that's hard to describe, yet vividly expressed on a blank canvas. One such canvas is brought to life by the unconventional and prolific artist-activist Subodh Kerkar. Through his installations, sculptures, multimedia works, performances, paintings, and drawings, Kerkar captures the essence of Goa. In his book *Goa: Subodh Kerkar's Canvas*, he distils the vastness of the sea and the soul of his homeland into compact chapters, each diving deep into the stories behind his art.

Curated and written by Kunal Ray, a professor at FLAME University, Pune, who writes extensively about art and culture in India, this book offers an intimate portrait of one of Goa's most significant contemporary artists. The narrative flows naturally through Kerkar's artistic evolution, beginning with his early influences and culminating in his establishment as a pioneering figure in Goan art.

Journey Towards Art 

The book traces Kerkar's journey into painting, which began under the guidance of his father, Chandrakant Kerkar, a well-known painter in Goa. Like his father, young Subodh initially gravitated toward rural Goan landscapes, picking up the brush at an early age. However, his artistic consciousness was shaped by more than just water colours and scenery. R.K. Laxman's cartoons, with their wit and pointed critique of social structures, influenced Kerkar's developing social awareness. This early exposure to art as a vehicle for social commentary would become a defining characteristic of his work.

The influence of student activism, particularly through his friendship with Satish Sonak, further broadened Kerkar's perspective on art's role in addressing social issues. Although he was practising art along with his medical profession, Subodh was not happy with himself. He found himself stuck in a loop and wanted to break free. So, to explore his career, he moved to London for further studies. His time in London, where he immersed himself in countless art exhibitions, expanded his understanding of art beyond traditional painting. This exposure led to his realisation that art could encompass structures, installations, and sculptures.

The Second Evolution

Upon returning to Goa, Kerkar embarked on new beginnings with an artwork called "Second Evolution." After this, he went on to experimenting with new forms and mediums. This period marked his transformation from a traditional painter to a multimedia artist unafraid to push boundaries.

Kerkar's contributions to Goa's cultural landscape extend beyond his individual artworks. He pioneered several important projects, including the Museum of Goa and the Kerkar Art Complex. The latter comprised both a gallery and an auditorium that hosted various music concerts. Notably, the art gallery was inaugurated with an exhibition of works by renowned Goan artist F.N. Souza, establishing it as the first private art gallery in Goa.

What sets Kerkar apart is his versatility across media and his commitment to addressing both historical and contemporary issues. Regarded as an ocean artist, cartoonist, and visual artist, his practice spans architectural paintings, installation art, contemporary art, boat work, shell work, food art, and laterite sculptures.

The Work of Art

Among his notable works, "150 Natal" stands as a significant art installation, while his "Marine Icons," "Zheng He," and "Goa's Ark" fall under his celebrated 'boat works' series. "Moon and the Tide," one of his favourite installations made with shells, exemplifies his deep connection to Goan coastal life. His use of mussel shells from Goan beaches in sculptures and installations has earned him the self-proclaimed title of "ambassador of the Republic of Mussel Shells."

Kerkar's food works, including "Annabrahma," demonstrate his ability to find art in the everyday. His creation of Vasco da Gama's head using coconut, with different food items growing from it, shows how he balances a serious artistic statement with humour.

The artist doesn't shy away from difficult historical subjects. His extensive portrayal of the Goan Inquisition through works like "The King's Chair" demonstrates his commitment to examining painful chapters of Goan history. Similarly, "Our Mine," which uses laterite sculptures to highlight mining issues in Goa, and his "Mining Goddess" show how he inscribes personal mythology into contemporary events.

His connection to Goa's fishing communities is evident in works like "Bosteau," "Nightwatch," and the "Fishermen and the Ocean" series, where he created photographs and videos with people forming different formations representing the sea, boats, ocean, and fishbone.

For Kerkar, as Ray's book makes clear, history is a living force rather than a fossilised object. His art serves as a bridge between Goa's past and present, using contemporary mediums to explore timeless themes of identity, culture, and social change.

While the book succeeds in portraying the natural and smooth transition of Kerkar's artistic journey, it would have benefited from better integration of visual elements. The images and artworks shown after the written descriptions could have been positioned alongside the relevant text, allowing readers to form immediate associations and better understand the evolution of Kerkar's work. This would have enhanced the reader's ability to connect with and appreciate the artistic development being described.

Despite this minor organisational shortcoming, Goa: Subodh Kerkar's Canvas stands as a well-crafted journey through the life and work of a significant contemporary artist. The book serves as both an artistic biography and a cultural document, offering insights into Goa's history and challenging perceptions through the lens of art. For anyone seeking to understand Goa beyond its tourist facade or to explore how art can serve as both personal expression and social commentary, Kerkar's story, as thoughtfully presented by Ray, provides a compelling and necessary read.