Xavier Centre of Historical Research, Porvorim, organized the inauguration of “Angelo da Fonseca’s INDIAN MADONNA”, an Exhibition of Selected paintings, on the 6th of December 2022. In honour of Goa’s greatest painter, Angelo da Fonseca’s 120th Birth Anniversary, 29 invited school students from Goa paid a tribute to this renowned painter on the theme, MOTHER. The exhibition was curated by Dr. Savia Viegas, artist, writer and academician. She had organized 2-3 workshops for the invited students in inspiring them and motivating them to paint by gaining inspiration through Fonseca’s paintings. At 3 p.m. on the inaugural day, these invited students had their hands busy, painting on the theme mentioned above. The paintings were highly appreciated by the public.
At 6 P.M. The inaugural function began. Fr. Joseph Cardozo, S.J. the Socius to the Goa Provincial of the Jesuits, was the Chief Guest. Fr. Anthony da Silva, the Director of XCHR welcomed an audience of over 120 people, to the event. He highlighted the importance and relevance of Fonseca’s paintings and lauded the efforts of the students. Fr. Joseph Cardozo, addressed the gathering speaking of Fonseca’s contribution of his Indian Christian paintings, its influence in parts of India and that it drew attention to not only Christians but also people of all faiths. Dr. Savia Viegas, the curator of the Exhibition, highlighted the works of Angelo da Fonseca, his contributions to Indian art and the need to recognize his work.
All the students who painted in the honour of Angelo da Fonseca, were given participation certificates. XCHR decided to give winners prizes to the three best paintings. Dr. Anjali Monteiro and her husband Mr. K. P. Jayashankar, filmmakers and educators, Mrs. Bonita Vaz-Shimray(Art Director, Harper Collins, New Delhi) and her husband, Mr. Joe Shimray (Independent Graphics Designer), were the judges of the paintings. The judges acknowledged the paintings of the students and their efforts.
The winners received merit certificates and cash prizes. The winners list are as follows:
- First Place – Ronak Volvoikar, Mushtifund High School, Cujira
- Second Place
- Swara Kerkar – G.S. Amonkar Vidya Mandir, Mapusa
- Harsh Khandolkar – Sanjay School, Porvorim.
- Third Place – Aparna Pal – Holy Family High School, Porvorim.
Fr. Malcolm Barreto, Administrator of XCHR, thanked the students, Chief Guest, Judges, Curator and the audience for the success of the inaugural event.
All then proceeded to the Museum, where the students sang “Happy Birthday” in the honour of Angelo da Fonseca. Fr. Joseph Cardozo, inaugurated the exhibition by cutting the ribbon and declaring the exhibition open. The audience had the privilege to see the paintings of Fonseca.
The exhibition is open to the public, from Monday to Friday, 10 AM – 1 PM till 31st March 2023.
The YouTube link of the inauguration
