In a bid to add colour, hope and
direction for artists, especially in these grey pandemic times,
Fundaçăo Oriente – Delegation in India has announced the second edition of its
Visual Arts Awards (VAA). It is noteworthy that the institute continues to
encourage and back artists through this initiative that was instituted in 2018
to foster creativity and promote visual artists, by giving them the opportunity
and exposure to further their artistic education in Portugal. The VAA is open to professional and
amateur artists who are 18 years and above, residing in Goa and accepts entries
of work across mediums: drawing, printmaking, painting, photography, sculpture,
photography, installation and video art. Inẻs Figueira – Director of Fundaçăo
Oriente, explains, “There is enormous talent in Goa yet most artists living
here don’t have the opportunity to showcase their work. Besides, many lack the
requisite exposure to further their creativity. This effort was to create a
platform to showcase an artist’s work and enable the possibility to engage with
other artists who present a different reality – the very revival of the idea of
Goa as a place of encounter.” From 15 shortlisted artists, the winner
is eligible for a month-long artist residency in Portugal along with a solo
exhibition in Goa post-return. Emphasising the need to support the
arts especially in challenging times, Figueira says, “The VAA aims to provide a
glimmer of hope and interesting possibilities for the future. In times like
this, one needs to support the Arts and artists. Depending on one’s
perspective, this time can be used to enrich one’s experience.” She adds, “I am
curious to see if the submitted work will reflect the times we are presently
living.” Like each year, Figueira will wait
till July 31, the last date for submission of entries and then hope that
everyone is happy with the quality of work submitted. Merit-based and open to all artists
residing in Goa irrespective of their native Goan origins, the Institute aims
to create a level playing field and keeps the jury, comprising five members
(curators, programmers and artists), a secret till the announcement of
the award. Figueira points out, “Goa is a small place and we don’t want
influence of any kind ruin the judging process.”Mansi Trivedi, winner of the Visual
Arts Awards in 2018 and a product of the Faculty of Fine Arts, M.S University,
Baroda shares, “The month-long residency in Portugal both in Lisbon and at Casa
de Cerca – a contemporary arts centre in Almada, was enriching in many ways. It
was a learning cum meditative experience to share space with other artists and
learn even while exploring Portugal. I was most impressed by the fact that
Fundacao was liberal and understanding of the artist, granting us the freedom
to treat this opportunity as research.”Recommending this opportunity to
fellow artists, Trivedi concludes, “It’s not just about the award. Even
interacting and getting to know the work of the 15 shortlisted artists through
the group exhibition that the institute holds, is revealing. It’s a fabulous
opportunity to meet and interact with artists who you otherwise would never get
to know – even in a small state like Goa.”
