Credit: Gomantak Times, Through the Soul of Goa
If you’re enchanted by the old-world charm of Goa, you won’t want to miss “Stories of Goa,” a captivating art exhibition by Marcio Menino Fernandes, showcasing a nostalgic portrayal of Goan life. Hosted at the Sadhana Dell’Arte gallery in Merces, this collection takes visitors on a journey back in time, inviting them to experience the essence of Goa through the eyes of the artist.
Opening on April 21, 2025, the exhibition highlights the memories and vivid images from Marcio’s childhood in the serene village of Merces in North Goa. His artwork reveals a deep connection to the land, culture, and people of Goa, with each painting reflecting the nostalgia and spirit of a life that is slowly fading.
Marcio’s paintings explore various aspects of Goan life — from religious symbols like roadside crosses to the ever-present crows, swaying coconut trees, and the friendly street dogs of rural Goa. Through these familiar elements, Marcio paints a portrait of a bygone era that is increasingly at risk of being forgotten.
As he puts it, “This exhibition is my heartfelt tribute to the land that shaped me and filled my life with rich memories. It is my attempt to preserve these elements, which I fear may soon disappear.”
In his work, Marcio not only celebrates the Goan way of life but also seeks to safeguard it for future generations. His art serves as a powerful reminder of the traditions and cultural markers that make Goa unique.
From the Curator’s Perspective
Curated by Lina Vincent, the exhibition sheds light on Marcio’s emotional ties to his homeland. “Distance makes the heart grow fonder,” she reflects, noting how Marcio’s time abroad has deepened his longing for Goa’s landscapes and customs.
Lina further explains, “While he has always been inspired by his surroundings, his time away has allowed him to appreciate even more the significance of the elements he depicts. Through ‘Stories of Goa,’ he not only reintroduces familiar sights but also offers viewers a reflective space to consider Goa’s evolving cultural fabric.”
Marcio’s art, she adds, is a way to preserve what is quickly disappearing in Goa due to rapid changes and modernization.
About the Artist, Marcio Menino Fernandes
Born in 1997 in Merces, North Goa, Marcio’s passion for art began in his childhood. After completing a Fine Arts degree at the Goa College of Art, Panjim, in 2020, he moved to London to pursue a Master’s degree in Fine Arts at the City & Guilds of London Art School.
“Stories of Goa” is part of Unbox Cultural Futures’ initiative, which promotes contemporary voices in art. The exhibition is hosted at Sadhana Dell’Arte, a vibrant Indo-Portuguese cultural space that fosters community dialogue and artistic exploration.
Through “Stories of Goa,” Marcio invites us to reconnect with the Goa he knows and loves — a Goa that lives in the heart of its people, its landscapes, and its traditions. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience Goa’s beauty, its past, and its ongoing transformation through the lens of an artist deeply attuned to its soul.
A visit to this exhibition is a must for anyone who seeks to understand Goa not just as a place, but as a living, breathing culture — seen through the eyes of someone who carries its essence within.
