‘Every work of art is half truth’

An image by Mesquita

The other half comes about when the viewer collates his experience with the image

Prolific painter Theodore Mariano Mesquita, based in the picturesque state of Goa, creates works that delve into the archetypal recognition of a broad psychological landscape, redefining the pluralistic cultures, which connect and discern the existence of the times and space of our lives; those that have definite sounds and visions, pregnant with supernal meanings. These he comprehends and mitigates forward to feeling and meaning, electing a dialogue between the absent, present and viewed.

Mesquita has since long been fascinated by human figures and its varied languages used to express a myriad range of emotions in the timeless memories of many artists. Dwelling further on the various influences that have shaped him as an artist, he says, “From Indian miniature paintings to works by artists of the Renaissance period, all have made a lasting impression on my consciousness as an image maker. During my childhood, the tactile quality of the crayon on the wall enabled me to create my own personal realm. The images that grew on the given surface enveloped me into it and invigorated my being. This act of image making spurred me, and made me realise that art was my calling.”

Putting his art journey in a broader perspective, he says, “The primary concern of artists’ through the ages has been defined through the combative posture of regaining the self through the encompassment of boundaries; boundaries that restrict the human emotion to perceive alternate realities, those that are concerned with all human activity, animate or inanimate. These are the central issues that have always afflicted the human condition. My work too, proffers in this direction.”

Summing up his artistic philosophy, Theodore says, “I believe that every work of art is half truth, as presented by the artist; the vision becomes the whole truth when the viewer collates his/her experience, identifying with the image impressed by the artist, thus eliciting and celebrating the meaning in the given space, giving the picture a life of its own.”