One of Goa’s largest exhibitions dedicated to women artists, ‘Show of Strength’, has brought together over 30 practitioners, placing women’s artistic voices at the centre of the state’s cultural narrative. The exhibition, curated by Samira Sheth, is currently on display at the Aguad Port & Jail Complex and will remain open to the public till April 30.
Featuring artists across different stages of their careers, including emerging, mid-career, and established names, as well as artists with disabilities, the exhibition spans a wide range of mediums such as painting, sculpture, mixed media, installation, and textile practices. The showcase reflects contemporary Goa through diverse themes, lived experiences, and creative expressions.
The exhibition is framed around the idea of a shared yet diverse artistic voice. While each artist presents a unique narrative, the collective body of work highlights the importance of women’s contributions to Goa’s evolving art scene. According to curator Samira Sheth, the exhibition challenges the notion that women’s artistic practices are peripheral, instead positioning them as central to both the present and future of Goa’s cultural identity.
The preview evening, held on March 22, witnessed an engaging cultural programme at the historic venue. The event began with a Dindi performance by an all-women dance group, followed by a procession of artists and a ceremonial lamp-lighting led by the curator and artist Nirupa Naik.
Set within the historic Aguad complex, a 17th-century site once associated with confinement, the exhibition gains an added layer of meaning. The transformation of the space into a hub of artistic expression and public engagement creates a powerful contrast, reinforcing themes of voice, freedom, and resilience.
The artworks explore a wide spectrum of themes, including identity, personal memory, ecology, and broader social issues. Artist Clarice Vaz described the exhibition as a powerful platform that reflects the quiet strength and resilience of women, while celebrating Goa’s rich cultural diversity.
Speaking on the occasion, Savio Mathias, Vice President – Operations and Business Development at the Aguad Port & Jail Complex, highlighted the overwhelming response to the preview and expressed optimism about continued public engagement.
The exhibition features works by a diverse group of Goa-based artists, including Anu Malhotra, Asavari Gurav, Asha Naik, Assavri Kulkarni, Chaitali Morajkar, Clarice Vaz, Darpan Kaur, Dipa Naik, Frederika Menezes, Gopika Nath, Juliette Ravel Roychowdhury, Dr Katharina Poggendorf-Kakar, Kausalya Gadekar, Leticia Alvares, Liesl Cotta De Souza, Loretti Pinto, Lioba Knepple, Maria Andrade, Jolene De Souza, Minakshi Singh, Miriam Koshy, Nandini Raikar, Nirupa Naik, Nirja Puri, Rajshree Thakker, Saffron Wiehl, Sarah Sousa Kammermeier, Savia Viegas, Shilpa Nasnolkar, Sonia Sabharwal Rodrigues, Sonu Dharnidharka, The Crochet Collective, Ulka Chauhan, Veena Advani, Venita Coelho, Verodina De Souza, and Yolanda De Sousa Kammermeier.
Open daily from 10 am to 8 pm, the exhibition invites visitors to engage with a vibrant collection of works that reflect the depth, diversity, and dynamism of women-led artistic practice in Goa. Entry to the exhibition is included with the site ticket at the Aguad Port & Jail Complex.
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