Panaji: Goa govt is set to establish a dedicated gallery celebrating the life and works of Goan cartoonist Mario Miranda at the centuries-old Adil Shah palace on the banks of the Mandovi in Panaji.The announcement was made on Miranda’s 100th birth anniversary on Saturday. Director of museums Vasu Usapkar said that the directorate of museums has written to the new museums secretary, Michael D’Souza, informing him about the forthcoming Mario gallery.Usapkar said that the gallery would most likely be housed on the first floor of the Adil Shah palace, which currently functions as part of the state museum complex. However, he clarified that the project is still in its early stages.“First, we are undertaking restoration work of the building,” said Usapkar. “Once that is complete, an expert committee comprising architects, curators and artists will finalise the display plan.”The Mario gallery is expected to be part of a larger reimagining of the museum space, which will also feature works by other prominent Goan artists such as Laxman Pai and F N Souza. Officials indicated that multiple dedicated sections may be created, though the exact layout remains under discussion. Details regarding the number of artworks, acquisitions, and inclusion of memorabilia are also yet to be finalised.“In Goa, everybody feels Mario belongs to them,” said architect and curator Gerard Da Cunha, who delivered a lecture at Kala Academy as part of Miranda’s birth centenary celebrations. He reflected on Miranda’s widespread popularity and the challenges it posed for protecting his artistic legacy. He noted that in Goa, Miranda’s work is so beloved that it is often freely reproduced, sometimes inaccurately, in public spaces like bars and cafes.He also pointed out that many establishments display imitations of his work, often claiming authenticity.Da Cunha recounted that Miranda once issued a public warning against unauthorised reproductions, but rarely pursued legal action. He added that although formal agreements exist allowing legal recourse, enforcement has been minimal, with only a notable exception involving the use of Miranda’s imagery during the G20 summit.“Mario has a profound influence on generations of artists. His distinctive style, ranging from intricate black-and-white line drawings to vibrant colour compositions, continues to inspire students and professionals alike,” he said.Representing the Miranda family, his granddaughter Gayle Zulema said, “This is just the beginning of a year-long celebration. We’re excited to continue honouring his legacy, and there are more announcements to come”.
