Aditya Sisodia
Goan artist Sonia Rodrigues Sabarwal has made her mark on the recently opened New Parliament building in Delhi with her depiction of the goddess ‘Sheetlai’ as part of a mural called the ‘People’s Wall.’ Representing the art from different states of India, Sonia’s panel showcases the vibrant culture of Goa.
The mural, which spans 9 ft x 80 ft, is a collaborative effort by 74 women artists from various parts of the country. It combines folk, tribal, and contemporary art, adhering to the theme of ‘Jan, Janani, Janmabhumi’ (People, Mother, Motherland). The artwork was created using environmentally friendly materials such as vegetable colors, papier-mâché, and banana pulp.
Courtesy :Sonia Rodrigues Sabarwal
Sonia’s panel pays homage to Goa’s rich artistic heritage. She chose to depict the goddess ‘Sheetlai,’ one of the seven sister goddesses, who is associated with water and is believed to have walked into the Arabian Sea. The halo surrounding the goddess is adorned with the intricate ‘Kaavi’ design, an ancient art form found in sacred spaces like temples, churches, and traditional houses in Goa.
The journey of this artwork began in January when Sonia was invited to participate in an art workshop in Madhubani, Bihar, organized by the Lalit Kala Akademi in New Delhi. The collaborative effort brought together folk and tribal artists from across India, with the goal of achieving a harmonious and balanced mural.
During the workshop, the artists were not informed about the final location of the mural. Thus, they had no idea that their artwork would adorn the New Parliament building. When asked if she would have done something differently knowing the mural’s destination, Sonia expressed her contentment with her choice. She would still have painted the goddess Sheetlai, as she wanted to showcase Goan folklore or folk art. Additionally, Sonia feels a personal connection to the power and energy (‘shakti’) embodied by the goddess Sheetlai, who resides in the waters of Goa.
Courtesy: Sonia Rodrigues Sabarwal
The mural’s curation was led by Ramakrishna Vedala, the secretary of the Lalit Kala Akademi in New Delhi. The coordination of the project involved the contributions of Satyabhama Majhi, an Odiya artist, and Sharad Kumar from Bihar.
Sonia’s contribution to the mural not only represents Goan culture but also celebrates the diversity and artistic traditions of India as a whole. The inclusion of folk, tribal, and contemporary art forms highlights the richness and depth of artistic expression across the country.
The fact that the mural is showcased in the New Parliament building adds an extra layer of significance and visibility to the artwork. It serves as a reminder of the importance of art in reflecting the heritage, culture, and identity of a nation.
Through her artwork, Sonia Rodrigues Sabarwal has captured the essence of Goa and contributed to the collective celebration of India’s diverse artistic traditions. Her portrayal of the goddess Sheetlai and the incorporation of the Kaavi design not only showcases the beauty of Goan art but also embodies the spirit of creativity and cultural pride. The mural stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, as well as the enduring influence of art in shaping our understanding of history, culture, and identity.
