Goa has few art collectors, but many first time-buyers

All too often, art exhibitions are not enough to sustain an art gallery in a small state like Goa

The interior of Carpe Diem Art Gallery, Majorda,Gomantak Time

Perin Ilavia

Published on : 29 Jun, 2023, 4:12 pm

Updated on : 29 Jun, 2023, 4:12 pm

The first part of this article on Carpe Diem Art Gallery, Majorda, focused on Goa's art scene and the Carpe Diem story. Today article looks at some of the challenges and more.

There are many art galleries in Goa, and art exhibitions are held from time to time. Artists exhibit their work not only for monetary benefits, but also to get exposure.

Regarding his clientele, Daegal Godinho, of Carpe Diem Art Gallery, Majorda, says, “Art buyers come from all walks of life. While art activities tend to have more local and domestic takers, paintings are picked up by foreigners who are passing through, foreigners who spend several months in Goa each year, and business people from across the country – primarily metro cities. Goa has few art collectors, but many first time-buyers. Goans living abroad sometimes buy as much, if not more, than the foreigners. There have been solo and group shows with well-placed artists from around India and local artists, and I promote promising young artists. Late last year, it was Mohit Naik who had his first show, which was very successful.”

ART & MORE

Besides organising art shows, Daegal has other interests. Since 1993, he has been associated with a local theatre group – The Mustard Seed Art Company – and has been active in various elements of theatre, from acting to directing and other production elements. In 2016, he got interested in endurance cycling.

“I enjoyed mentally challenging myself to rough it out over long hours and complete the stipulated distance in the target time. I believe in self-achievement (as opposed to direct competition), which is a big morale booster for me, and helps me believe in my ability. I have completed multiple endurance rides in distances from 200 to 600 km, completed a couple of longer time-bound Goa to Pondicherry 1,000 km in 75 hours, Goa to Kanyakumari 1,200 km in 90 hours, attempted (though unsuccessful) Paris-Brest-Paris, France, and recently completed the Ironman 70.3 event in Goa.”

A variety of delectable items are available at the cafeteria of Carpe Diem Art Gallery, Majorda, Gomantak Times

“Art galleries in a state as small as Goa, can have a hard time breaking even. Occasionally, a show generates huge profits, conducting other creative activities is how we deal with that. Overall, it’s a ‘one day at a time’ situation, so we might as well enjoy the rollercoaster ride while we are on it. There’ll be a jackpot somewhere down the line!” he opines.

Daegal’s leisure time activities are listening to music, attending live concerts, exercising and watching movies. An animal lover, he has adopted several street dogs, who come with him to the gallery!

For further details, Carpe Diem Art and Learning Centre, Majorda, can be contacted on:

PHONE: 0832 2996696

ONLINE: www.carpediemgoa.com

www.facebook.com/carpediem Goa