‘Goa Through Sketches’ brings Goa’s everyday stories to life at Aguad Port & Jail Complex

~ Urban Sketchers Goa’s debut exhibition, inaugurated by well-known artist Kalidas Satardekar, brought together 65 original artworks by 20 local artists celebrating the state’s architecture, culture and everyday life. 

Goa Khabar: Goa’s distinct character, from its everyday scenes and historic landmarks to its stunning vistas, came alive at the Aguad Port & Jail Complex, through the debut exhibition, ‘Goa Through Sketches’ by Urban Sketchers Goa community – a collective of artists. 

The unique exhibition, which was inaugurated by veteran artist Kalidas Satardekar, brought together 20 local artists whose sketches encouraged visitors to slow down, observe and appreciate the stories that surround them in the coastal state. Featuring 65 original works created in locations across Goa, the exhibition will remain open to the public until September 20.

Created in pen, ink, watercolour and mixed media, the artworks capture everything from historic landmarks and bustling streets to quiet village lanes and coastal landscapes. Each sketch was drawn from direct observation, offering visitors an intimate portrait of Goa through the eyes of artists who have documented its people, places and everyday moments.

According to Satardekar, the act of sketching helps truly understand the subject and its structure. “I feel that art, and Urban Sketchers, is more than just sketching. When we paint, or when we go on location, sit down, and work, we learn many things. For example, we often pass by a place and see a structure; we know it is there. But when we actually sit down to sketch it, that is when we truly understand its structure,” he said. 

Commenting on the exhibition, Savio Mathias, VP Operations and Business Development, Aguad Port & Jail Complex, said, “We are delighted to have partnered with Urban Sketchers Goa to present an exhibition that reflects the many layers of Goa’s identity. Seeing visitors engage with these artworks inside a heritage space has reinforced our belief that places like Aguad can become vibrant platforms where history, art and community come together. We hope everyone who walks through this exhibition leaves with a deeper appreciation of Goa’s heritage and the stories that continue to unfold around us.”

Urban Sketchers is a global community of artists united by the principle of drawing on location, creating artwork that is inseparable from its surroundings. Active in cities across six continents, the movement has found a natural home in Goa, where its rich architecture, unique light and vibrant street life provide endless inspiration. Goa Through Sketches marked the first collective exhibition by Urban Sketchers Goa and the first time the community showcased its work at a heritage venue of this scale.

Speaking about the exhibition, Darpana Athale, Representative, Urban Sketchers Goa, said, “It was heartening to see so many people connect with Goa through our sketches. For nearly a decade, our community has been documenting the state’s changing landscapes, architecture and everyday life, one sketch at a time. This exhibition gave us the opportunity to share that collective visual journey with a wider audience and celebrate Goa’s stories in a setting that beautifully complements the spirit of our work.”

The exhibition is open to the public during Aguad Port & Jail Complex’s regular visiting hours from 10 am to 8 pm daily. Entry to the gallery is included with the admission ticket. Aguad Port & Jail Complex is located at Sinquerim and is accessible by road via Candolim.