Aliferous - Hesham Malik and 5 Goan Women Artists (Czech Republic & Goa)

The Black Museum and the Carpe Diem Gallery jointly present an exhibition in honour of women from all over the world. The overarching theme that the artworks express is that women have enriched our world through their roles as mothers, daughters and wives. It is imperative that we recognize and respect this contribution. 

The artworks on display were created by women artists from Goa, India, along with artist Hesham Malik. This collective effort highlights the importance of equitable sharing of all platforms between genders.

The exhibition, titled 'Aliferous', will open at the Black Museum in September 2025. The exhibition focuses on the theme of Indian culture and features artists such as Nirupa Naik, Veenita Chendvenkar, Sonia Rodrigues, Yolanda D'souza, Shilpa Nasnolkar and Hesham Malik who are contributing to the 'Aliferous' exhibition.

The exhibition will be held at Muzeum Cernosin in Czech Republic from 15th September to 12thNovember 2025, highlighting the importance of equitable platforms for both genders.

A total of 25 artworks are presented — five by each of the acclaimed Goan women artists, with every piece created in collaboration (2 artists on the same canvas/paper) with the international artist Hesham Malik. Each work becomes a dialogue, merging his contemporary practice with the distinctive voices of the women artists.In the spirit of collaboration, two geographically distant galleries — Muzeum Cernosin and Carpe Diem Art Gallery (Goa), have joined hands to present this exhibition.

The title Aliferous originates from the Latin word ala (meaning “wing”), first recorded in 1726, and translates to “winged.” Fittingly, the exhibition honours women across the world, celebrating their roles as mothers, daughters, and changemakers.The exhibition shines a light on the artistic journeys and diverse backgrounds of five remarkable women — Nirupa Naik, Shilpa Nasnolkar, Sonia Rodrigues Sabharwal, Veenita Chendvankar, and Yolanda De Sousa Kammermeier — each bringing their own distinctive perspective, practice and creative voice to the dialogue.

Nirupa Naik is a distinguished Goan artist whose career spans over four decades, marked by a deep engagement with painting and a vibrant exhibition record both in India and abroad. She studied art in Mumbai on the recommendation of her mentor, the renowned artist Laxman Pai, who recognized her immense potential at a young age. Under his guidance, she honed her skills and developed a distinctive artistic voice.

Her works open a window into a world woven with fairy tales, childhood memories, poems, nature, animals and depictions of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Through her masterful use of colour, she conveys calmness, serenity, and the joy of living. Some paintings are rendered in subtle monochromes, where a single hue flows gracefully from dark to light, while others burst into vibrant symphonies of colour. Often, Naik employs brilliant shades and expressive words to narrate the different phases of a woman’s growth, in close correlation with nature and spiritual evolution. Her art invites viewers into a realm where fantasy and reality merge, offering both beauty and reflection.

She defines womanhood through inner strength, kindness, patience and the ability to nurture, while balancing emotions with wisdom and courage. In her view, sincerity and honesty are at the core of a woman’s being and Indian culture has long celebrated Naari Shakti or feminine power. In today’s world, women embody this strength across diverse fields as leaders, bureaucrats, creative artists, writers, thinkers and changemakers. Their vibrance and innovation enrich science, art, business, sports and beyond, while their resilience challenges outdated ideas and shapes new futures. Women not only raise families but also run enterprises with brilliance, fight for equality and inspire generations, making them the heartbeat of society’s growth and progress.

Shilpa Nasnolkar is a contemporary Goan artist known for her expressionistic work that combines elements of abstraction and surrealism. Her mature style features a tension between poetic fantasy and the realities of modern life, creating a meaningful blend of abstract and surreal imagery. Bold brushstrokes bring her works alive, radiating an expressionist energy that feels untamed and free. Shilpa’s practice spans a wide range of themes, from human emotion and daily life to Goan landscapes, as well as abstract and surreal elements.

Shilpa describes Aliferous cities in her artworks as vanishing spaces that whisper tales of fortune, fear and resilience. These suspended cities, caught between prosperity and devastation, tell stories of wealth, destruction and the hope for new life. Her abstract compositions, built with layers of blue, black, ochres, greys, and whites, reflect the transient nature of existence and its interconnected relationship with the surroundings. For her, these fading metropolises echo untold sagas of survival that demand to be heard.

She defines womanhood as the profound power to create, nurture and remain resilient, embodying the ability to rise and rebuild in the face of challenges. In her perspective, modern women embody versatility, resilience and unwavering grit—qualities that empower them to thrive across diverse spheres of life and constantly redefine what it means to be a changemaker in today’s society.

Sonia Rodrigues Sabharwal, another distinguished Goan artist, is celebrated for her figurative paintings that deeply explore emotions and human relationships. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art from Goa College of Arts, Mumbai University, in 1989, and soon after began exhibiting her works nationally. Her first solo exhibition was held at Gallery Steps, New Delhi, in 1995, marking the start of a distinguished career.

Sonia’s works are characteristic of her hues of blues, pinks and greens, with a broader spectrum expressed in her abstracts. Her figurative works speak of the goodness and blessings that life and belief systems provide. Over the years, she has participated in numerous group exhibitions across India, gaining recognition for her evocative and expressive style. Alongside her art practice, Sonia has also contributed to the field of design with the Office of Development Commissioner of Handicrafts, New Delhi. Now based in Goa, she continues to create works that reveal the depths of human experience, cementing her place as a respected name in the Indian art world.

She defines herself as a woman through grace, love, compassion and gentleness—the very strengths that hold her world together. Even in moments of exhaustion, it is with kindness, wisdom and a smile that she moves ahead. For her, today’s modern women are all about independence and success in every walk of life.

Veenita Chendvankar is a Goa-based artist whose works draw deeply from nature, fantasy, and colour in all its vibrant hues. A graduate of the Goa College of Fine Art (BFA, 2008), she creates instinctive and intuitive acrylic paintings that reflect her inner world of dreams, memories, and impressions. Strongly influenced by folk traditions such as Madhubani and Warli, Veenita reinterprets these forms with a contemporary twist, giving them a unique and personal expression.

Her art often portrays the mystical beauty and elemental force of nature while exploring themes of love, peace, and human sensitivity. Through her paintings, she seeks to reveal the shared energy within men and women to connect with their inner selves. A self-confessed dreamer, her work offers a magical and poetic escape while also standing against forces of destruction and war that diminish life’s beauty.

She defines herself as a woman through the exploration of divine power within, embodying care, love and the strength to overcome any situation. While she acknowledges that society still clings to the notion that men can do what women cannot and that women continue to face criticism, she believes this taboo must be broken. Today, women and girls are excelling in their independent fields, proving their capabilities and redefining societal expectations.

Yolanda De Sousa Kammermeier, a celebrated Indian women’s football player turned artist, runs one of Goa’s oldest galleries, Art Chamber. Hailed as “Player of the Decade” in 1980, she later gave up football to devote herself fully to art. A graduate in Fine Arts (Painting) from the University of Bombay, Yolanda’s works are expressive, textured, and deeply personal, often described as ceramic-like in finish.

Her paintings have been exhibited across India and internationally in Germany, Canada, Hungary, Italy, and Brazil. In recognition of her artistic achievements, she received the Goa State Cultural Award (2010–11) and the prestigious NIVO Award in Hungary (2011). Today, Yolanda continues to inspire as both a legendary sportswoman and a contemporary artist whose canvases embody freedom, resilience, and truth.

As a woman, she believes firmly in equality, refusing to draw boundaries between male and female. Raised in an environment that encouraged her to believe she could achieve whatever a man could—if not more—she carries this conviction into her art and life. For her, the modern woman represents financial independence, self-sufficiency and assertiveness. Yet, she acknowledges that the world of men still struggles to fully accept this reality. Nevertheless, such limitations do not deter women from remaining positive and striving to claim their rightful place in society.

At the centre of this initiative is internationally acclaimed artist Hesham Malik, celebrated for his mastery in contemporary modern art and design. His passion for artistic creation began early and was nurtured through studies at the University of Waterloo in Canada, followed by specialized training at the Parsons School of Design and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. With more than 100 solo exhibitions to his name, Malik has established himself as a prolific artist whose works delve into the sensory dimensions of art while portraying human narratives and the diverse tapestry of life across cultures.

Beyond his artistic practice, Hesham is recognized worldwide for his initiatives to support and educate children, encouraging their creative growth. Though academically trained at prestigious institutions, he maintains that the most valuable lessons are learned through experimentation and mistakes. His openness to cultural diversity has been shaped by immersive experiences living among communities in the Philippines, Iceland, Malaysia, Kenya, Iran and Tanzania. These journeys have allowed him to blend varied artistic traditions, resulting in innovative styles and distinctive works celebrated worldwide.

Reflecting his global recognition, Hesham’s paintings have touched rocket prices, a testament to both their artistic merit and market appeal. He has exhibited in major cities including New York, London, Berlin, Toronto, Paris, Dubai, Zurich, and Munich. Known for his large figures and abstract modern art, his paintings are strikingly complex, built with multiple layers of colour that create rich textures and sublime luminosity. His connection to Goa remains strong, with his grandmother, Nirmala Shreekar Naik, having lived in Cuncolim, Goa.

The exhibition will be held at Muzeum Cernosin in Czech Republic from 15th of September – 12th of November 2025, before travelling to Carpe Diem Art Gallery, Goa in 2026. Featuring the works of Nirupa Naik, Veenita Chendvenkar, Sonia Rodrigues, Yolanda D’souza, Shilpa Nasnolkar and Hesham Malik. Aliferous promises to be a landmark cultural event that celebrates diversity, creativity and cross-border artistic exchange.