A Goan art show that exemplifies living Life to the fullest

A new solo exhibition by popular Goan sculptor and artist Damodar Madgaonkar, ‘Aapun Melyabagar Swarg Disana’ (You Can’t See Heaven Unless You Die) highlights the artist’s views on human behave our through the use of many popular Konkani idioms and phrases. Damodar’s fascination with the elephant form has driven him to use it as a muse in his works, as he believes there are lots of similarities between the two species. The artworks are created using mixed media on paper and canvas and are intricately detailed and reminds one of the human nature and behaviour in simple mundane actions and decisions taken on a day to day basis.

On the theme of locally used idioms, Damodar says, “This theme, ‘Aapun melyabagar swarg disana (you cannot see heaven until you die)’ is the title of my solo show which is based on a beautiful Konkani proverb. In today’s world, people think life is to be enjoyed in heaven and not on earth because of which they do ugly things in expectation of a better life in heaven. But they do not understand what they will do without a body in heaven and a soul to feel, According to me, one should enjoy one’s life to the fullest on earth because there is no better heaven than Earth and there is no better feeling than living life to the fullest. Making life on Earth akin to heaven is in our hands. However, to make it happen, we have to work hard and not rely on others. As one has to die to see heaven, one has to work hard to live a heaven-like life. I have always been fascinated by elephants. I believe that we all beings have elephant behaviour in us and I try to bring it out in my artworks.”

What does Damodar hope to achieve through this show? “I hope people enjoy my work and interpret it in their own way. I always love to hear about these interpretations because they sometimes broaden my own perspective. Of course, I would love the audience to figure out my thought process without me having to tell them but varying interpretations only enrich the artworks. These artworks will of course pose different questions to the audience and I am happy to let them interpret it on their own and not hand-hold them through the process.”

The exhibition will remain open between Wednesday to Sunday every week until March 19 at Carpe Diem Art Centre – Majorda.