Art has a powerful transformative quality, especially when it comes to the lives of persons living with disabilities. This line of thought, prompted and conceptualised by Frederika Menezes, better known as an artist, poet, writer and disability advocate, brought forth the first series of Colours of Resilience – a unique celebration of art and empowerment in Goa.
The series was launched on November 8, 2024 by the Office of the State Commissioner for PwDs and is powered by Purple Fest.
This is a first-of-its-kind event to unite an extraordinary collective of talent with the intention of raising awareness and support for persons with disabilities in Goa.
A preview fellowship will be held on November 15, 2024 from 6 pm - 8.30 pm at Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage, Vainguinim Beach, Dona Paula, and the exhibition will continue over the weekend of November 16 and 17 from 10 am - 8 pm.
Colours of Resilience will include exhibitions, interactive sessions and diverse art forms to empower persons with disabilities and foster inclusivity.
Colours of Resilience will include exhibitions, interactive sessions and diverse art forms to empower persons with disabilities and foster inclusivity, beginning a significant new chapter for Purple Fest.
The event has been generously supported by the Taj (Cidade de Goa Heritage), Acron Group, Liquid Gold, Big Banyan and musical artist Lavina Soares of DTR.
Frederika Menezes has defied the odds of her cerebral palsy to become the author of six published books in Goa. She is also a digital artist, and her work has been featured extensively in newspapers and magazines within Goa and beyond.
Colours of Resilience is a testament to Frederika’s commitment to empowering persons with disabilities. The art event series is directed at creating opportunities for artists with disabilities and raise funds to support accessible resources and programmes.
All showcased works will be auctioned with a portion of the proceeds going to the artists and the remainder donated to the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities. The funds will support NGOs actively promoting empowerment, accessibility and inclusion throughout Goa.
Renowned Estonian sculptor Tauno Kangro will feature on the fellowship evening of November 15. He is known for his captivating sculptures found in private and public collections worldwide. Kangro will create a live sculpture during the event, which will be auctioned to further support the cause.
Mumbai-based artist Manoj Das will create a live painting and bring his dynamic fusion of art to the stage. The self-taught Das, with over three decades of experience, has exhibited in over 300 shows and had 200 live performances. His on-site painting will also be available for auction.
Artist Nidhi Sharma will be presenting one of her prized paintings for the on-site auction. Her art has the distinct ability to capture the rugged, breathtaking beauty of towering peaks, cascading rivers and delicate flora of India’s majestic landscapes. Sharma’s painting will be auctioned alongside select artworks of Frederika’s.
There will be music as well at the event with santoor virtuoso and music healer Nawab Khan, a 9th-generation musician from Rajasthan. Khan is a master of the 100-string santoor with his musical lineage traced back to the royal courts of India.
He is the founder of the Music Meditation Center in Jodhpur and leader of the Mantra Band. Khan blends Indian classical music with spiritual chants from diverse traditions, spreading messages of peace and unity. His soulful performance will add a dimension of healing and tranquillity to the event.
Through Colours of Resilience, Frederika Menezes and her supporters seek to create a platform that not only showcases the talents of persons with disabilities but also strengthens the resources available to them.
Through Colours of Resilience, Frederika Menezes and her supporters seek to create a platform that not only showcases the talents of persons with disabilities but also strengthens the resources available to them.
The event promises a vibrant cultural experience, uniting artists and patrons to celebrate resilience and inclusivity in Goa's art scene.
DETAILS
WHAT: Art series event Colours of Resilience
WHERE: Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage, Vainguinim Beach, Dona Paula
WHEN: Preview fellowship on November 15, 2024 from 6 pm - 8.30 pm. The exhibition will continue on November 16 and 17 from 10 am - 8 pm.