The artist looks for inspiration either within oneself or looks at the world happening around him or her and is moved to action. The Coronavirus has changed the way life is now being lived. The manner in which one communicates with each other has changed. From the physical distancing which now the norm to the increase in the use of digital platforms to communicate with others the virus has now cast a shadow on all aspects of life. For many members of the artistic community in the state, the virus has meant different things.
Yolanda De Sousa, eminent Goan artist said everything happening affects the artist. Even if it was not a pandemic, it would have influenced the work of an artist. She said “I have moved now to working in the digital medium and yes, the virus dominates all our lives. Feelings outside the pandemic have taken a backseat. I am painting but I am not in a good space because of the pandemic. I am looking at how it affects people. Migrants have been shown such unkindness which is very sad. We have looked at the other in such a negative way. It is also a time to sit and reflect on all this. As an artist, I like my space and the freedom to move around whenever I liked but now all that is at a standstill which for me is very uncomfortable. Yes, I will say it has certainly influenced my art”. As always, De Souza was straight and to the point.
Savia Veigas, social worker and writer felt it was a landmark occurrence like the Spanish flu. She said it was changing people’s lives. Viegas said “I know young people who were planning to start a business with global aspirations but now this has radically changed their dreams. My sons who are both builders have been touched by this too. One is now into cooking. Writers or artists, in general, are very much affected by what is going on around them and so am I. We take the pulse of the people and come up with ideas. The idea of migration and the work of doctors as givers are very interesting. Their lives have not been easy like rushing to the hospital at one o clock at night and not able to spend time with family members. There are so many stories in these involving thousands of people who are doing their bit to battle the virus”.
Movie directors are forever looking for new ideas for their next movie. Tapan Acharya movie actor felt it was similar to what happened after the 26/11 terror attack. He said “There were multiple stories that lead to plays, serials and even movies. It had an impact on various segments of society. The same is with the virus. We had a three-month shutdown which was rigorous and I am sure there are stories in that too. There will be stories from within the containment zone and outside, stories on impacts on families, relationships, and businesses. I know for a fact that people are developing stories on the situation now, and they sounded me out but it is too early for anything. Yes, by next year for sure, there will be movies about this rather strange time”.
For Darshan Lolienkar, seasoned filmmaker this is another major incident that he has witnessed in his long life. He said at 69 he had seen so much. He said “In my youth, I saw young people dying from a pulmonary infection. They could not breathe. This virus however has disturbed my work. I have not been able to enter my studio for three months. This virus has changed people. People who did not believe in certain things or did not do certain things are now doing it. There is a lot of background information that can lead to so many stories. I am writing about San Jao. I am interested in writing about the virus because I witnessed how people were travelling around in Panjim, Vasco, Mapusa and other cities. Everything has changed. I have taken notes, everyone seems scared. The children are scared. Yes, there is a story in this without a doubt.”
Not everyone believes this is an interesting story source. The virus has brought suffering and death to thousands of people all over the country. Rajesh Pednekar another indie producer felt no one would want to remember the dark depressing days of the lockdown. He said “Many be perhaps in five or six years when people have digested all that had taken place then perhaps a film will be made. Right now, no. Everyone is fed-up. Personally, I am waiting for the shooting of the web series to begin. I am acting in one of them. Preproduction is on in Goa right now”.
Harish Malvankar an artist had a very interesting take on the entire situation. He said “I am not affected, remember artists are always in lockdown, we are working in our studios and when we go out it is to observe life and to remain productive in our creative life. Artists present ideas that ordinary people may not understand easily. Right now, this is how I feel, give it time perhaps my ideas will change and I may do something about the virus and its effects on life.”
Perhaps the final word could go to Prince Jacob who said this was a very depressing time and people were fed up with the virus and producing a tiatr about the times during COVID would not spell success. He said “People want to forget it”.
Perhaps in time, people will look back at these strange times and ask themselves how did people behave so badly or so graciously and it will be the work of the artistic community that will help them reach a conclusion.
