A Dream in the Balcao: Between Home and Horizon: Exploring Goa’s Artistic Spirit

A Dream in the Balcao Premieres

As the world turns its gaze to a new year, Goa Open Arts, an artist-led platform offers a moment of artistic reflection with A Dream in the Balcao, that blends the contemporary with the traditional. Set against the charming backdrop of Villa 259 in Assagao, this group show features works by some of Goa’s talented artists, exploring themes of transition, identity, and the interplay of the local and the universal.

The exhibition runs from January 10th to February 2nd, 2025. As you stand in the metaphorical balcao of this exhibition, you may find yourself reflecting on your own space of transition—between the familiar and the unknown, the personal and the collective, the past and the future. In this shared moment of pause, A Dream in the Balcao reminds us that art has the power to create connections and inspire dreams.

The diversity of artistic mediums on display highlights the depth of talent in Goa’s creative community. Visitors to A Dream in the Balcao will see paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures, and photographs that span a range of styles and themes. Each piece invites engagement, encouraging collectors and viewers alike to appreciate the stories embedded in the work.

Featured Artists in Goa Open Arts’ Exhibition

The lineup of A Dream in the Balcao includes: Ashish Phaldesai, Avani Tanya, Ayesha Seth, Divyesh Undaviya, Gaurang Naik, Ishaan Lamba, Meenakshi Nihalani, Nishant Saldanha, Pakhi Sen, Pradeep Naik, Shilpa Mayenkar, Shyam Pahapalkar, Tanushree Singh, Thomas Louis, Vihang Navgekar and Yash Korat. This selection represents a convergence of voices, from established artists to emerging talents, each contributing a unique perspective to the conversation around Goan art and culture.

The strength of A Dream in the Balcao lies in its artists, each of whom brings a distinct voice to the table. Whether through vibrant paintings, evocative sculptures, or thought-provoking photographs, these creators challenge viewers to rethink their relationship with the world around them. For example, the works of Ashish Phaldesai explore the intersections of memory and material, while Avani Tanya’s multidisciplinary practice delves into themes of place and identity. Nishant Saldanha pushes boundaries with his experimental approaches, while Shilpa Mayenkar and Tanushree Singh bring a fresh perspective to traditional techniques. Each artist offers a window into their world, creating a mosaic of ideas that reflect the complexity of contemporary Goan life.

The Exhibition’s Purpose

The exhibition displays artistic talent; a call to action for building a vibrant art collector community in Goa, with pieces available at accessible prices. Through this initiative, Goa Open Arts continues its mission to nurture and expand Goa’s creative ecosystem. At its core, A Dream in the Balcao is a fundraiser which supports Goa Open Arts’ broader mission. For five years, they have championed creativity in Goa, offering grants, hosting residencies, and organising educational workshops for children. It has also become a force in showcasing Goan art through its biannual multi-arts festival.

The proceeds from this exhibition will enable the organisation to continue empowering local artists and enriching the cultural fabric of Goa. Over the years, Goa Open Arts has supported more than 100 artists, nurturing collaborations and encouraging innovation. This fundraiser marks yet another step in creating a self-sustaining arts ecosystem that benefits both creators and audiences.

What Does the Balcao Represent in A Dream in the Balcao

In the context of this exhibition, the balcao—a distinctive feature of Goan homes—takes on symbolic meaning. Traditionally a porch-like space, the balcao bridges the private and the public, the interior and the exterior. It is a place where daily life unfolds, stories are shared, and the rhythms of the world are observed. To the featured artists, the balcao becomes a metaphorical space, representing the threshold between personal experience and collective expression. The works reflect a spectrum of emotions and ideas, inviting viewers to pause in this metaphorical balcao and consider their spaces of transition. Are they stepping inward, toward introspection, or outward, toward expansive possibilities?

The title of the show, borrowed from a piece by artist Pakhi Sen, reflects the spirit of the event: a dreamlike exploration of Goan identity, culture, and community. A Dream in the Balcao is part of a larger conversation about the role of art in society. Goa Open Arts believes in the catalytic power of creativity to shape communities, inspire dialogue, and spark change. This philosophy underpins every initiative the organisation undertakes, from public art projects to mentorship programs. By bringing artists and audiences together, they build bridges between tradition and innovation, local and global perspectives, and individual expression and collective understanding.

In recent years, Goa has emerged as a hub for creative experimentation, attracting artists, writers, and thinkers from across the globe. But beyond its reputation as a cultural hotspot, Goa remains deeply rooted in its local traditions. This dual identity—as both a site of global influence and a custodian of heritage—is what makes Goa Open Arts so vital. By supporting initiatives like A Dream in the Balcao, the organisation ensures that Goa’s artistic community remains vibrant, accessible, and sustainable. It also offers a platform for Goan artists to engage with global audiences, bridging the gap between local practice and international discourse.

For those who call Goa home, and for those who are simply passing through, A Dream in the Balcao offers an opportunity to engage with the region’s artistic soul. It is a chance to discover new talent, invest in affordable art, and become part of a movement that values creativity as a cornerstone of community.

Image – Ashish Phaldesai’s Peacocks in my fields Courtesy – Goa Open Arts