Artists from India and the Netherlands have produced 100 noteworthy artworks that have been showcased at the Museum of Goa, Pilerne.
The Fonds Voor Cultuur Participatie International Collaboration 2022-2024 grant was instrumental in the nascence of this project which emphasises play as a significant tool for cultural exchange.
This grant had MOG from Goa and the Amsterdam-based LaLa Foundation as co-signatories, with the aim of building cultural relations between India and the Netherlands.
“Play is one of those universal feelings that connects right to the heart, evoking the same joy in the Dutch as it does for Indians, or anyone else in the world,” said Noreen Van Holstein, co-founder, LaLa Foundation.
“Homo Ludens: The Art of Play, an exhibition spread over three segments that are being hosted at the Museum of Goa in Pilerne, is based on the works of Dutch historian Johan Huizinga, who celebrated humans as inherently playful beings. The exhibition explores ideas of play present in everyday life through three shows, namely ‘Homo Ludens: खेल-Spel’, ‘Cycle Diaries’, and ‘Joint Jesters’,” explained Sharada Kerkar, co-curator of the “Cycle Diaries” show.
The three-segment art exhibition is open for public viewing until November 17.
There was an engaging visitor walkthrough of the shows with artists and curators on the exhibition’s preview night on Friday.
A Cantaram on Vinyl session by Goan musician Leaxan Freitas and interactive games that invited attendees to welcome the spirit of play were held.
Of the three shows at the exhibition, “Homo Ludens: खेल-Spel” showcases multimedia artworks; “Cycle Diaries” is a photo exhibition; and “Joint Jesters” consists of collaborative digital artworks created by artists from both countries.
“Cycle Diaries” was curated by Prashant Panjiar, Asmita Parelkar and Sharada Kerkar. It reveals the role of bicycles in representing aspects of play through everyday situations in both countries.
“We put out an open call-cum-contest in both India and the Netherlands, and from over 900 entries, (we) had a blind selection based on the composition of 88 photographs by 63 photographers. The three prize winners turned out to be a student, a photographer, and a postmaster, which shows that artistic talent can come from anyone,” commented Panjiar, a self-taught photojournalist and curator.
Mumbai-based freelance documentary photographer and photojournalist Asmita Parelkar utilised bright colours while designing the exhibition space, stating: “Complimenting the bright pops of colour in many of the photographs, the vibrant spatial design is a reminder that we all need elements of playfulness to spark joy within us.”
“Homo Ludens: खेल-Spel” explores various aspects of play across themes such as war, childhood and politics.
Curator of this segment multimedia artist Sajid Wajid Shaikh said: “Play is inherent to human beings, present in the most mundane interactions. You don’t need to teach any living being how to play, and that is what the exhibition showcases and celebrates.”
“Joint Jesters” involves a game developed by surrealists that assists collaboration between multiple artists with a unique twist.
“Exhibitions like these elevate the collective consciousness, by infusing fresh blood into Goa’s art scene. Several new artists from Goa, India and the Netherlands have gotten an opportunity to showcase their work, which is a great initiative,” said writer-producer-director Deepti Datt, who attended the preview.
Goan artist Sivam Harmalkar, whose photograph is featured in the “Cycle Diaries” segment, said, “It’s a wonderful feeling to see my work appreciated in my home state after showcasing it in London and Delhi.”
This month-and-a-half-long exhibition will also consist of eight interactive workshops at MOG, inviting visitors to fully immerse themselves in the magic of play.
Homo Ludens: The Art of Play Workshop Schedule
October 6, ‘Flow is Life’ with Omkar Dhareshwar -11 am
October 13, ‘Stone to Life’ with Ragini Dhingra -11 am
October 13, ‘Forest Recipes’ with Assavri Kulkarni - 4 pm
October 19, ‘Acoustics with the Conch Shell’ with Divesh Gadekar - 3 pm
October 20, ‘Play like a Surrealist’ with Chaitali Morajkar - 3 pm
October 27, ‘Slacklining Workshop’ with Pratheek D’Souza - 11 am
October 27, ‘Crafty Cupcakes: Cardboard Edition’ with Neville Trindade -11 am
November 10, ‘Self-Portrayal Workshop’ with Chaitali Morajkar - 3 pm