TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Nearly a hundred priceless paintings, by a legendary Goan-origin artist, presently in possession of a London based consortium, may form the prized collection of the erstwhile Adil Shah Palace in Panjim, which will open as a world class museum.
The proposal has been received by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) during its exercise to select a curator to assist the corporation in setting up a museum at the palace.
While the GSIDC was being discrete about the proposal, the paintings could be those of the well-known Goan origin artist Francis Newton Souza which are on display at the Grosvenor Art Gallery in London. Souza who was born in Saligao in 1924 was expelled for participating in the Quit India Movement while studying at the Sir J J School of Art in Mumbai. In 1947 he founded the Progressive Artists’ Movement along with S H Raza, M F Husain and K H Ara, among others.
Officials said the corporation received 10 applications after it invited expression of interest from curators the world over.
While three curators have been short-listed, GSIDC is close to finalising one who is in possession of the priceless paintings and keen on bringing them to Goa; which will make the museum a treasure trove of the world’s finest paintings that ‘almost match those of Pablo Picasso, a GSIDC official said.
“Each painting could be worth crores of rupees,” said the official, expressing the hope that artists and art lovers from across the globe would throng to Goa for a glimpse of the paintings.
“Presently the paintings are in London and are also being eyed by other international museums,” said this official, without disclosing the name of the Goan origin artist. He added that the corporation is working hard to bag the paintings for Goa.
Currently the file has been sent to the government. “As soon as the approval comes it would take approximately two to three months for the paintings to be brought to Goa.
The work of restoring and renovating the old Secretariat, officials say is almost complete. Rs 11 crore has been spent on restoring and renovating the old Secretariat for refurbishing it as a world class museum. Plans are to use all the main halls on the top floor of the Palace for the paintings, while the ground floor of the palace would be used for showcasing other artefacts as recommended and approved by the committee.
