Painting tropical vibes and a slice of enchanting Goa

DANUSKA DA GAMA

Working on her own terms, is what best defines artist Manuela Mendonca. She quit working at a commercial studio to follow her own path with her brush and canvas. Her studio in Mapusa is where her passion and work unfold.

“As a versatile artist, I thrive on experimentation, exploring various mediums and surfaces to unlock the full potential of my work,” the artist told Gomantak Times digital.

THROUGH HER EYES: A Goan window by the artist captures the essence of Goa.

While murals sparked her journey, Mendonca divides time between studio work and commissions from across India. “Currently, I’m focused on canvas paintings and watercolours,” Mendonca shares.

Her works are vibrant, with the landscape of Goa, along with its flora and fauna, always finding some space. The most common in her large body of work are tropical themes.

Mendonca says that as an artist she is inspired by Sri Lankan artist Senaka Senanayake and also Edward Hopper.

FLOWER POWER: A mural created for the Orrad restaurant in Panjim.

It is not uncommon for artists to adopt specific colours strategically in their work, which leverages the power of hue and tone to craft their unique and striking visual signature. For Mendonca, these bright colours also act as her distinctive artistic voice, enabling her creations to stand out in a vast array of artistic expressions.

The artist says that people who recognise her work, through bold colours, often commission work in bold and vibrant colours. However, it is important for her as an artist to do work that evokes an interest in her.

HERITAGE: Casa de Goa, a painting that showcases a typical Goan house.

“I cherish commissions as they represent a profound connection with those who value my art. Bringing clients’ visions to life, despite unique challenges, is rewarding. But what resonates deeply is knowing my paintings become treasured pieces of Goa, carried into homes far and wide, holding sentimental value and a slice of this enchanting State,” she says.

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Mendonça has created paintings for various residences, cafes, hotels, schools and offices throughout Goa. “An interesting commission I worked on was creating a singular artwork on a set of terracotta plates for a restaurant in Panjim. Another project involved painting multiple MDF cut-outs of tropical elements to form a larger composition for a restaurant in Anjuna,” she shares.

SAVOUR THE ART: A unique artwork on plates for the Issabella eatery in Panjim.

“I was also asked to create a set of watercolours of houses for brochures used in villa sales. These projects are very memorable to me,” she adds.

A few places that have Mendonca’s work include Qi in Taleigao, Lafa Lab in Dona Paula, Orrad and Issabella in Panjim.

GOAN FLAVOUR: A collaboration artwork for Lafa Lab in Dona Paula.

Mendonca, who sells her artwork online via Instagram, enjoys capturing Goa's vibrant local life. “While walking, I uncover captivating compositions, recording them through photographs and sketchbook notes to inspire my next artwork.”

INSPIRED: This artwork is inspired by a stroll taken through the Latin quarters of Fontainhas in Panjim.

She believes that the scope of work for any artist is not limited, and it is up to the artist to be out there doing work, marketing oneself, and probably being open about styles too.

“When I started working as an artist, I would take up all kinds of artwork that came my way, without being resistant towards a particular style. That helped in making connections and building a large body of work. But, besides that, it helped me develop my own style,” she adds.

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Mendonca is part of the artist and researcher group working on the Mapusa Mogi project led by artist Orijit Sen. She says, “I was so excited to be invited to be part of the project as people would be able to see the city of Mapusa differently. Being able to use my professional knowledge and creativity to plant seeds of change is interesting.”

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For her, life is all about learning and as an artist she doesn’t want to ever feel saturated and comfortable. “I want to keep working on new techniques and gain as much exposure as possible as an artist needs to move forward with art,” says Mendonca, who also dabbles with sports as a lawn tennis player.