Breathing life into countless cartoons and creative depictions, Mario Miranda is one of the very few artists, whose legendary works cannot be summarised within the scope of the English alphabet. Born in 1920 in the coastal state of Goa, this artistic polymath took the culture and life of Goans to a global platform, with the charm of his colours and captivating ingenuity. Today, a gallery cum store celebrating his life and legacy, stands next to the Houses Of Goa Museum, in North Goa!
Invited to more than 20 countries for showcasing his creative genius
Displaying his exceptional skills and calibre, he worked across a string of notable publications like The Illustrated Weekly of India, Midday and Economic Times. While a long list of characters crafted by him gained popularity, Miss Fonseca, Minister Bundaldass, and Rajani Nimbupani, garnered love and attention from innumerable individuals. During the late 20th century, his work gradually seeped into textbooks, calendars, murals and magazines.
Through the passage of time, paintings inspired by his art have made it to prominent locations in the territory, fascinating locals and tourists alike. Reports state that given his innovative abilities, he was invited to more than 20 countries, where he sketched and displayed his creative genius. While his works instantly attract the eyes of a beholder, a dive into the themes explored by the artist, highlights the enigmatic nature of his personality.
An artist par excellence awarded with the Padma Vibhushan!
Seeking motivation from the cities and the people who inhabit them, Mario’s art established a direct connection between reality and imagination. In recognition of his appealing skills, he was presented India’s second-highest civilian honour, Padma Vibhushan, posthumously in 2012. Earlier, he was also awarded Padma Shree and Padma Bhushan, during different years.
Today, his art can be found at all places around Goa, including small objects like stationery items to elaborate depictions on the walls and enclosures. From shirts and kitchen magnets to decore of notable complexes, Mario Miranda’s adorns various facets of Goan life. Besides, his style gave a new transformation to Azulejos tiles, through the usage of local narratives. While he is popularly referred to as a cartoonist, the wide reach of his works testifies to his stature as an artist of par excellence!
Mario Gallery can kickstart your post-pandemic plans!
Housing tall and innovative sculptures, the gallery dedicated to Mario Miranda is an undying testament to his remarkable artworks. The stalwart’s observation and understanding of Goan culture have translated into engravings on eye-catchy artefacts like mugs, t-shirts, scarves, fridge magnets, lamps and wall art, amongst other things. While a tour through this store, seated in Penha de Franca, can definitely uplift your mood, we are sure that you can’t escape your shopaholic cravings here!
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Some gifted individuals leave such marks behind, that their contributions become a part of a place’s heritage. Thereby, it is important to preserve such arts in their true virtue so that future generations are able to seek inspiration!
