MAHARAJA

 NAGUESH  RAO  SARDESSAI

Sara Khalafi, from Tehran, Iran, is currently showing her works at the ‘Art Resort Gallery’ in Palolem, Canacona.

Titled ‘Maharajas’, Sara – an award winning painter and graphic artist – decided to pay tribute to these Indian gentries who have been a point of curiosity and awe in her hometown. ‘The Maharajas with their pompous and rich lifestyle and luxurious palaces remain to be the point of fascination and subject of discussion in Iran,’ says Sara in a reverential tone.

‘My visit to India, over a year back, changed my perception,’ admits Sara. ‘My travel to several magnificently huge and amazingly beautiful palaces across the length and breadth of this country, witnessing ruins, besides going through the historical data opened a new vista and triggered a creative spark.’

These works here, at Canacona, is the outcome of this creative nudge. The viewers in Goa have an opportunity to understand non-Indian perception and worldview of our nation. Sara offers her independent views, of Indian culture and history, through these uniquely painted portraits.

Sara, a graduate in painting from the Azad University, Tehran and postgraduate in Graphic Design from Soureh University, Tehran has been a part of important art workshops and recipient of award.

She has shown in several group shows in Tehran and India. Notable amongst these are ‘Keep Our Planet Alive’ supported by the Directorate of Art & Culture, Goa, India in 2013; ‘White & Black’ at Homa Gallery in Tehran in 2010; ‘Selections from the New Generation’ at Homa Gallery, Tehran in 2007 and 2009; ‘Representation of Persian Painting in Contemporary Painting’ at Mah-e-Mehr Gallery in Tehran in 2007; ‘The fourth International Painting Biennial of the Islamic world’ at Saba Culture & Art Institute in Tehran in 2006.

Rajendra Usapkar, a noted Goan artist and mentor to several upcoming talents in the State, is the coordinator of this non-profit project of ‘Art Resort Gallery’. ‘Through this project, we intend to offer a platform to budding talent and simultaneously invite established artists. The former with a view to expose the young to the art connoisseurs and the latter to satisfy the art enthusiasts,’ explains Rajendra.

Holding this show in the south end of Goa is a deliberate move by Rajendra. ‘I intend to enliven every corner of Goa with the vibrancy of art,’ states Rajendra before adding, ‘To do that, we need to shift focus from the north, where major galleries are based and activities organized, to other unexplored areas like Canacona and several potential places.’

Portraits speak of the specific person, however, Sara’s portraits project a whole cultural ethos. The show will be on view till February 16, 2014.