Artist and author Petwyn Fernandes’ latest book, ‘Passion of Christ’, includes photographs, paintings and historical notes on 19 churches across Goa
It was while working on a series of paintings depicting Jesus Christ, that artist and author Petwyn Fernandes came up with the idea of a book on the theme of ‘Passion of Christ’.
Beyond his paintings on Christian art, created mainly in charcoal and black ink, the recently published book contains photographs of 19 churches, their facades, interiors and altars, along with brief historical notes.
“I felt like compiling the churches that were close to my heart,” he says, adding that he spent six months gathering information. The book also includes photographs of crosses across Goa. The cover is an oil painting of Christ, on canvas.
The photographs, he says, preserve architectural details that have changed over time. “Many changes and modernisations have been made to the churches today. These photographs will remind readers of their original design and architecture,” he says.
According to him, the churches provide a glimpse of the skill of earlier artisans and are an integral part of Goa’s identity. Among the sites included is a cross on Rajvith Road at Pilar. “It is around 500 years old and according to tradition, one of seven crosses built by the Portuguese in Ilhas. I have seen and passed by the cross since childhood.”
Fernandes says his canvas painting of Christ enables viewers to feel Christ’s suffering and pain, thereby portraying the true passion of Christ. “Faith does not develop merely by looking at images; it grows through the veneration of images, which has been done for centuries in Goa,” he says.
‘Passion of Christ’ is Fernandes’ 10th published book. His previous works include books on painting, photography and cartoons. His next project, currently under research, will be on St. Francis Xavier.
