OT Interview: Discovering The Artistic Underbelly Of Goa With Artist Subodh Kerkar

My father was a schoolteacher and an accomplished painter. Growing up, I was naturally drawn to painting because of him. He specialised in realistic art and was a student of S.L. Haldankar (1882-1968), a renowned artist. One of Haldankar's famous works, "Woman With The Lamp," (1945–46) is displayed in the Jaganmohana Palace in Mysore.

Art is a reflection of its era and a true expression of time, deeply rooted in personal experience. To create authentic art, it must be connected to your reality. Living in Goa, it’s only natural that my art embodies the culture and history of this place. As someone interested in history, it has subtly influenced my work, becoming an integral element. Every piece I create is intertwined with the culture and history of Goa.

Much of my work is deeply connected to the ocean, which I view as my canvas. In a way, you could call me an ocean artist, as the sea profoundly influences my creations. My bond with the ocean began in childhood, during long walks on the beach with my father. This connection has become an inseparable part of my artistic expression.

I don't consciously try to balance it; activism is a natural part of my identity. I've been a social activist since my student days and have always been a serious student of Gandhi. I firmly believe that an artist must be political. If an artist claims to be non-political, I find that problematic. Art is an expression of its time, and if there's a war outside your window, you can't just sit in your studio painting flowers. You must respond to what's happening around you, which I strive to do through my work.

Goa, like any other place, is constantly evolving. Culture isn't static; it shifts over time. Since its liberation from Portuguese rule, Goa has undergone significant changes. There was a period when people left Goa due to a lack of job opportunities. However, with advancements in education and the rise of tourism, things began to transform. In a sense, the hippies reintroduced Goa to the world, just as Vasco da Gama had done for the Portuguese. Today, Goa is a sought-after destination experiencing rapid and continuous change.

I'm deeply attuned to politics, history, and various subjects that influence my art. I’m a compulsive artist, constantly thinking about my work. Ideas come to me organically, often in my dreams, which serve as my sketchbooks. My creative process is spontaneous and intuitive, with no prior planning—ideas flow to me naturally.

The Museum of Goa is my proudest creation, aside from my children! Driven by a social inclination, I was concerned that only a small segment of India’s population engaged with contemporary art. I didn’t want my work to reach just a few people, so the Museum of Goa was established to democratise contemporary art and make it accessible to the masses. My daughter, Sharada, now manages and has elevated the museum with various programs. The museum’s mission is to make contemporary art available to everyone.

Interaction is essential. I view the Museum of Goa as a laboratory of ideas, not just a storage space for objects. Art must foster a dialogue, and our curatorial approach, which I call the "Tukaram policy" (after the 17th-century Marathi saint poet Sant Tukaram Maharaj), embodies this principle. Tukaram was known for using simple, relatable language to connect with people, which is the approach I strive for in my art. Each piece at the Museum of Goa is meant to engage with its audience. Art should communicate and resonate with people rather than simply being a display for curators to appreciate.

Art has the potential to play a significant role in tourism, but unfortunately, this is often overlooked. For example, significant tourist attractions have yet to be developed in Goa since its liberation. The beaches and churches were gifts from nature and the Portuguese, but local government efforts have been minimal. Creating impactful art and museums is a specialised task that professionals should handle, not bureaucrats or politicians. Just as you would consult a cardiologist for a heart problem, art should be managed by those who truly understand it. We have many talented artists in this country, but the selection and curation of public art need to be entrusted to those with the expertise.

Incorporating more art into our education is crucial. We often focus on subjects like physics, chemistry, and mathematics, but there's a point where art becomes essential. Art should not be secondary; it holds significant truth. Art enriches our understanding of the world, making it as important as the sciences.

While not everyone needs to become an artist, knowing art makes us more open-minded and enhances our ability to enjoy life. Human beings need more than just food, clothing, and shelter. Many of our deeper needs are fulfilled through art and culture.