Making an artistic mark in Panjim

Solomon Souza is the grandson of possibly the greatest Indian painter, FN Souza and she, Libia Lobo Sardesai is one of the unsung heroines of Goa’s Liberation struggle. Now they have come together as he paints a mural of her in Panjim which will be ready on May 16. The story behind the mural goes back several days ago when Solomon came to Goa to participate in his grandfather's 100th birth anniversary celebrations. In a remarkable coincidence, Libia and FN Souza met as teenagers in Bombay at Crawford market and were friends.

Solomon was invited in 2019 by Vivek Menezes, the special projects curator for the Serendipity Arts Festival in Goa, to do murals in Goa after he did a similar project in Jerusalem, his hometown. He had painted more than 250 of the 300 shop shutters in the market. Solomon usually completes three murals per night. He says, “We told untold stories of unknown heroes and heroines. I am doing something similar in Goa.” His visit to Goa inspired him. The party to celebrate his grandfather surprised him. He says he was surprised when around 100 people turned up for the celebrations in Saligao. It was a small party but it was sweet and heartfelt. Later, he set up a studio in Saligao.

He had discussions with Vivek and it was decided to paint a mural of Libia, who he says is a strong character with a mind of her own. She ran an underground radio station during Portuguese Rule and on D-Day she dropped leaflets declaring Goa was liberated from an aircraft. “It is also the ideal time to paint her mural because she would be celebrating her 100th birthday next week. It makes perfect sense,” says Solomon.

They commenced the task of looking for the ideal spot. Vivek happened to be at her residence in Panjim and when he stepped out to the balcony, he saw this wall which was opposite her residence. He took permission from the owners of the building, who were very happy with the idea behind the project. The planning commenced and the Mayor loved the project. Solomon says he was very cooperative and funded all the material used in the project. The Smart City project also helped out with all the logistics. A crane was made available to help in the project. The project started in May 12 and is expected to finish today, May 16.

Painting can only be done in the second half of the day because of the direct sun, it could be dangerous. The lovely breeze in the second half of the day made for a very good feeling. He starts around 2 in the afternoon and ends by nightfall. Since it is a busy part of Panjim, there were people who were driving past with some stopping to watch the progress.

Asked how he felt painting the mural, he says it was a pleasure. It was physically exerting and a great workout. He says, “The work gives you energy and you find reserves of energy doing this. It is an honour to paint Libia and it is quite surreal painting her. I complete the painting myself but there is a lot of teamwork involved. The guys operating the crane have been fantastic.”

It has been quite a journey for Solomon. He has been painting since childhood. He says his mother made him an artist. He grew up in his mother’s studio. He says, “I knew my mother was an artist even before I knew my grandfather was one. It was an amazing world and it was normal. Years later of course I met my grandfather.” Like the grandfather who was his own man, Solomon says he struggled with authority and went to many schools in London and all over.

He says he loves painting and it gives him great pleasure. It does great things to his soul, he says. It gives him great satisfaction. It was very normal considering the family he came from. “Later, people wanted to buy my works and I was able to pay my bills. It was nice when people liked the work I did. It was interesting but it could also be taxing,” adds Solomon.

Solomon intends to stay in Goa this year before planning his next move. One hopes he comes up with more such creative works to beautify the State.