‘Show of Strength’ brings together over 30 women artists at Aguad Complex

Goa Khabar : Touted as one of the largest exhibitions of women artists in Goa, ‘Show of Strength’ has brought together over 30 practitioners from across the state, presenting a collective body of work that reflects contemporary Goa through diverse mediums, themes and lived experiences.

Curated by Samira Sheth, the exhibition opened with a preview on March 22 at the Aguad Port & Jail Complex in Sinquerim and remains open to the public for viewing till April 30. Featuring artists across career stages, including emerging, mid-career and established names, as well as artists with disabilities, the exhibition spans painting, sculpture, mixed media, installation and textile practices.

Framed around the idea of a shared yet varied artistic voice, the exhibition situates women’s practices within the broader cultural and social context of Goa. “They may differ in medium and language but are united in rigour, authorship and a sustained engagement with the realities of contemporary Goa. Individually, their works articulate singular narratives. Collectively, they form a powerful cultural proposition: that women’s artistic practices are not peripheral to Goa’s art history but central to its present and future,” said curator Samira Sheth.

The preview evening saw artists and visitors gather at the historic complex, with the programme opening with a Dindi performance by an all-women dance group. This was followed by a procession of participating artists, a welcome address by Sheth and the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the curator and artist Nirupa Naik.

Spread across the former cells and open spaces of the Aguad complex, which is housed in a 17th-century heritage complex, the exhibition draws on the site’s layered history. Once associated with confinement, the space now serves as a setting for creative expression and public engagement, lending an added dimension to the works on display.

The exhibition engages with a range of themes, including personal memory, identity, ecology and wider social concerns. While individual works reflect distinct approaches and narratives, the collective presentation offers a broader view of Goa’s evolving cultural landscape through the perspective of women artists.

“The strength of women is often quiet and gentle, yet layered with immense power and resilience,” said artist Clarice Vaz. “Show of Strength at the Aguad beautifully brings together women artists, offering a powerful platform to express creativity and celebrate Goa’s rich cultural landscape.”

Speaking about the response to the preview, Savio Mathias, VP, Operations and Business Development, Aguad Port & Jail Complex, said, “The preview of Show of Strength was truly spectacular. The response from guests, and the appreciation for the artwork and Aguad, made it a memorable evening for all of us. We look forward to welcoming more visitors to the exhibition and hope it further reinforces Aguad’s identity as a historic destination where culture and art can thrive together.”

The exhibition features works by a diverse group of Goa-based artists, including Anu Malhotra, Asavari Gurav, Asha Naik, Assavri Kulkarni, Chaitali Morajkar, Clarice Vaz, Darpan Kaur, Dipa Naik, Frederika Menezes, Gopika Nath, Juliette Ravel Roychowdhury, Dr Katharina Poggendorf-Kakar, Kausalya Gadekar, Leticia Alvares, Liesl Cotta De Souza, Loretti Pinto, Lioba Knepple, Maria Andrade, Jolene De Souza, Minakshi Singh, Miriam Koshy, Nandini Raikar, Nirupa Naik, Nirja Puri, Rajshree Thakker, Saffron Wiehl, Sarah Sousa Kammermeier, Savia Viegas, Shilpa Nasnolkar, Sonia Sabharwal Rodrigues, Sonu Dharnidharka, The Crochet Collective, Ulka Chauhan, Veena Advani, 

Venita Coelho, Verodina De Souza, Yolanda De Sousa Kammermeier.

The exhibition is open daily from 10 am to 8 pm, with entry included in the site ticket at the Aguad Port & Jail Complex.