02 Aug 2018  |   03:16am IST

Goa’s art and its research

Versatile Goan artist Dr Shivaji Mukund Shet is renowned for his work on canvas as well as in the field of research. He is the first Goan to be awarded the National – Senior Research Fellowship this year from the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), Delhi and also the first Goan awarded a Doctorate in Fine Arts. Café speaks to the artist about his research and what he feels about the art scene in Goa

Dolcy D’Cruz

Dr Shivaji Mukund Shet is a busy artist. If he is not

pouring his concentration into his next exhibition, he is occupied with his research. He was recently awarded the National – Senior Research Fellowship this year from the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), Delhi for the year 2018-20, making him the first Goan to be awarded.

Speaking about the importance of being awarded the Senior Research Fellowship, Shivaji explains, “This is an award for outstanding artistes in the fields of culture. National Research Fellowship is given by Centre for Cultural Resources and Training, Delhi for a period of two years. The objective is to encourage analytical application of new research techniques, technological and management principles to contemporary issues in areas related to art and culture.” He has submitted his synopsis on ‘Indian Oleography: Critical analysis – II, theoretical and practical approach’ in Visual Art, with Graphic Art (Printmaking).

“I feel proud to be the only Goan selected for the National Senior Fellowship from CCRT – Delhi. I also feel proud for being the first Goan awarded a Doctorate in Fine Arts from the Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan on February 20, 2017. Earlier, in 2000-2002, I awarded Junior Research Fellowship from the Human Resource Department, New Delhi for my project ‘Interrelationship between Man and woman in relation with the Indian, Western and Far Eastern Philosophy: Purusha and Prakriti, Adam and Eve and Yin and Yang’. While in 2011-2013, I awarded Junior Research Fellowship from the Department of Art and Culture, New Delhi for ‘The Kamasutra Series – The experimental works through various printmaking methods and the contemporary innovative printmaking in India’,” says Shivaji, expressing his joy.

Under the National Senior Fellowship, the awardees need to submit six-month progress reports as per the dates provided by CCRT. These reports are according to the synopsis and content submitted, by carrying out research as per the chapterisation with theoretical and practical study. All the reports must carry detail research works with proper illustrations, paintings or prints related to chapters. The materials for paintings and printmakings for a period of two years are also required.

Originally from Cumbarjua island in Tiswadi taluka, Shivaji is the only member of his family who opted for arts. “My father, freedom fighter late Mukund Mortu Shet and my mother, late Laxmibai Mukund Shet, were a great source of support, inspiration and motivation without which I would not have been in position to fulfil my hopes, aspirations and dreams,” he states, with a deep sense of gratitude. “I have been the only person in my family working successfully in the creative world of art. I now see my daughter, Saanvi, with her brushes and palette, playing with colours on paper; maybe she will continue my tradition,” he adds with a smile.

Shivaji’s last solo exhibition in May 2017 was close to his heart for different reasons. ‘Shraddhanjali’ was dedicated to his late wife, Trupti Shet, to fulfil her wish. The show was a tribute from daughter Saanvi to her mother. He also celebrated Women’s Day and felicitated five prominent women of Goa.

“Presently, I am engaged in preparing new research synopsis for new projects and developing new concepts, working the layout for series of paintings and a series on prints for my future solo shows,” he says.

While there are talented and research oriented artists in Goa, there is no proper venue where they can apply for their post graduation in the state itself. Stating his opinion regarding what the state needs when it comes to art education, Shivaji believes that the Goa College of Art, affiliated to Goa University, is in dire need of a sea-change. “The Goa College of Art has completed 45 years but till now it does not have a post graduate degree course, research programmes or even certificate and diploma courses,” he says.

He adds, “The students, after passing their Bachelor’s degree in painting and applied arts, have to travel to nearby states for the post graduation studies. Even then, not everyone gets admission as there are limited seats in said universities. Goan fine arts students are facing this major problem because of the unavailability of post graduation and research programmes and studies of fine arts in Goa. All colleges in India have a principal for a period of two or three years as per the rules and regulations set by university/UGC but Goa College of Art is the only college with one person holding the position of Principal for the last 16 years on ad-hoc basis.”

To conclude, Shivaji explains the disappointment he feels with regard to the present scenario of fine arts in Goa. “Fine arts in Goa is in a deteriorating phase as the government is neglecting the infrastructure and development of art. There are hardly one or two workshops conducted, which are not fruitful to the artists. There’s not a single State Art Studio for the welfare of the artists, no art galleries promoting Goan artists, no single Goa Government department that collaborates with neighbouring state art galleries nor any art exchange programmes held in Goa. It’s necessary for the Goa Government to pay attention to fine artists and the art community of Goa,” he firmly states.

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