Panaji: Art exhibition opened ahead of Xavier exposition

www.mangaloretoday.com

Panaji, Nov 12, 2014:  For the first time ever Goa’s best artists from different faiths have come together for a two-month long art exhibition in connection with the exposition of the relics of St. Francis Xavier that begins later this month.

Dr Eduardo Kol de Carvalho, Director of Fundacao Oriente opened the art exhibition at the Pilar Seminary auditorium yesterday.

The exhibition titled, ‘Strokes of Faith’ reflects on St Francis Xavier on the canvas.

Rudolf Ludwig Kammermeier, as part of the keynote address showcased the life of St Francis Xavier in a visual documentary, stated that all art requires inspiration. Jesus continues to inspire artist by providing them enough food for thought.
This is the second art exhibition organized by Pilar Theological College. The frist, organized almost a decade ago reflected on the Gospel by a Goan artist Angelo Fonseca. This time different artist have come together to reflect on St Francis Xavier.
Dr Carvalho said that like the Namban Art in Japan, Indo-Portuguese Art in India expressed Christianity through Asian eyes and sensibility.

Fr Francis Carvalho, the Superior General of the Pilar Society, urged the artists to keep up the tradition of taking inspiration from the sacred like monks painting the icons. Fr Carvalho released a catalogue titled, Strokes of Faith- St Francis Xavier through the eyes of artist, on the occasion.

Fr Anselmo De Souza, part of the organizing body, said Pilar Artfest is to create an opportunity for the Pilar Theological College students to undertake research on Indian art, culture and traditions of the ethnic people.

Art Fest, organized in association with Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa, will remain open for public till January 5, 2015.

The exhibition includes showcasing a rare collection of artifacts from different ethnic communities with whom the members of the Pilar Society continue to work in the mission lands.

As part of this event, Fr Feroz Fernandes plans to conduct a special talk show on heritage art and places of worship with four eminent panelists on November 18. An Art Workshop in collaboration with the Directorate of Art and Culture will be held at the Pilar Theological College fromNovember 25-30.

Other program during the period include a musical performance on the life of St. Francis Xavier titled, Mission Japan on November 28. Six more performances are planned at Old Goa and the last show will be at Kala Academy, Panjim on December 16.

On the occasion of decennial exposition of sacred relics, the Pilar Art Fest is homage to St Francis Xavier, who is the patron of the Pilar Society as it celebrates 75 years of reorganization.