A wide, eclectic cast of characters flow in and out on the tide of Subodh Kerkar’s arresting paintings driven by his powerful bond with Goa’s sea. His art deftly navigates Goa’s sociopolitical issues while capturing its spirit and natural beauty. ... Fishermen, sea goddesses, crabbers, mer-women, seafarers, and everyday Goans inhabit the deep, oceanic world depicted in his hypnotic, poetic works. Depicted in the colours of seawater and sand, they seem marinated and anchored in the sea, surrounded by fishes, crustaceans and other nautical symbols. His characters become lyrical allegories and representations of the people, legends and folklore of Goa. Kerkar considers himself an “ocean artist”, describing the sea as his “master and muse, philosopher and friend.” Timeless, ancient, contemporary and intertwined with the sea, Kerkar’s art is also a call to action to preserve and celebrate the vast, watery wildernesses of the planet.

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