Curated by Savia Viegas, the exhibition featuring 25 works of Angelo da Fonseca highlights the exceptional talent and variety of this esteemed artist, recognized for his skill in merging Indian aesthetics with contemporary expressions. Fonseca's artistic path, influenced by his profound connection to cultural heritage and his insightful approach to modern interpretations, is vividly represented in this exhibition.
Savia Viegas, celebrated for her curatorial acumen, has created a setting that encourages viewers to delve into the distinctive relationship between Fonseca's command of materials and his compelling visual narrative. The exhibition presents a carefully selected array of works, providing a glimpse into his development as an artist and his significant impact on the realm of Christian art.
This meticulously organized exhibition by Savia provides not only a venue for contemplation but also a chance for attendees to engage with the profound vision of one of the most significant artists of his era. Savia Viegas is an accomplished academic, writer, artist, and curator. As a senior fellow of the Fulbright Fellowship program and the Ministry of Culture (India), she has conducted extensive research on museums, photography, and the arts, resulting in numerous publications both in India and internationally. Her artistic works and embroideries have been showcased in exhibitions across India and Portugal.
Additionally, Savia is a novelist and painter, with notable publications including Tales from the Attic (2007, self-published), Let Me Tell You About Quinta (Penguin 2011), and The Bicycle Diaries (2021, self-published). In 2010, she was awarded a grant from the India Foundation for the Arts to conduct research on Angelo da Fonseca. She has curated several exhibitions focused on Fonseca at the Xavier Centre of Historical Research and is preparing to release her monograph on the artist, titled Angelo da Fonseca: An Artist of His Time.
In the turbulent decades of the twentieth century, characterized by two world wars and a burgeoning sense of identity in the colonies of Asia and Africa, Angelo da Fonseca, a young artist from Goa, embarked on a journey to create Christian icons infused with new contexts and colors. This artistic endeavor unveiled a vision of a "swadeshi" and fostered a sense of unity in India, transcending cultural and political divides.
A significant portion of Fonseca’s oeuvre reflects his engagement with pivotal historical events, notable figures, and moments in Indian history. Concurrently, the artist sought to establish a place for Christian art within the framework of postcolonial India through his icons. The exhibition aims to showcase these distinctive works and introduce both local and international art enthusiasts to the legacy of Fonseca.
It will be our loss if we do not recognize and critically embrace our heritage. I really appreciate that the Society of Jesus is playing an important role in giving visibility to his work by creating a Fonseca- public interface through these exhibitions
Savia Viegas
The inauguration of the exhibition titled “Fonseca. An Indic Lexicon”, curated by Savia Viegas, is scheduled for Friday, November 29, 2024, at 6 PM at the Xavier Centre of Historical Research in Porvorim, with Dr. Subodh Kerkar in attendance. The exhibition will be accessible to the public from December 2024 to February 2025, operating Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM.