Every true blue Goan has spent at least some time reminiscing about the glory of the past, from the aesthetic architecture and marvellous nature landscapes, to the simple customs associated with the old way of life.
So when a young painter captures the beauty of the state in a
way that instantly grabs the attention of the people from across Goa, it
strikes a chord with that feeling of wanting to preserve what Goans cherish,
for posterity.
John Anthony Pereira’s portraits speak a thousand words on these
Goan topics, which are close to the humble young artist’s heart.
“Goan culture also plays a key role in my work. I believe
culture is the backbone of every civilisation. Like the many topics I have
based my artworks upon, if that collapses, everything else goes down with it,”
adds the Fatorda based artist.
“Sadly, most of the places I’ve painted have changed drastically
within few months. So, for me it’s a race against time, a kind of documentation
in paints to gather fragments of the beautiful Goa that was once known to be,”
John continues, when asked about what inspired him to paint an old Goan
ancestral house, which is a popular favourite on social media.
“The ‘Goa’ of my childhood seems way too different from what it
is now. I will continue doing what I do best and I hope my works will have
something to contribute for the future generations to come,” adds John, who
graduated from Goa College of Art and specialised in painting.
In his paintings, he tries to capture the essence and mood of
the subject – the colours, the people and surroundings that harmonise the
place. “It’s more like I’m painting feelings of nostalgia you may say,” John
quips.
Elaborating further on his technique, John explains that ‘light’
is the chief element in his works.
“My inspiration of painting comes from the ‘Chiaroscuro’ technique
of the 16th Century ‘Baroque’ greats Bernini and Caravaggio. Baroque art has
captivated my soul,” adds John.
Apart from watercolour landscapes, he paints portraits in
acrylics and other mediums. While his favourite colour is black, he speaks
about how he never uses a direct black colour on any of his artworks. “I use
colours to set a certain mood for the painting. So each painting will feel
different, yet will have a distinctive style that suggests it’s my work,” says
John.
As the conversation veers to how passion can drive and motivate
an artist, sometimes making them work from dawn to dusk to dawn continuously,
John speaks about instances where he had had often stayed up till past four am
in the morning to complete a painting. “Once you start, nothing else can bother
you,” he says.
While he currently works as a freelancer, painting wall mural
designs, he juggles time to create his artworks at home.
John however feels that the Goan art space could be better.
“As a Goan artist, all I can say is that there’s no scope in
art. Being an art teacher in school is an option considered by many, but as an
independent artist, you have to create your own path by working hard,” says
John.
On a more positive note, he points out that he had chosen this
path to do what he does best and that it’s a privilege to be an artist.
His love for painting started right from a young age; he was in
primary school when he realised that this is something he could do and enjoy.
Thus it became his profession and, in many ways, a seamless love story with
paintings.
“I watch a lot of art documentaries of various great artists,
and by learning about their lives and works, I feel inspired every day,” says
John, when asked if he emulates any role models.
When
asked to comment about the high praise he receives, he acknowledges that it has
helped him immensely, both in professional networking and also as a form of
encouragement. However, he feels that he can always do better. “I’m never fully
satisfied with my work and always feel the next painting has to be the best...”
John concludes.