Auckland hosted the first exhibition (in New Zealand) of the works of renowned Indian cartoonist Alexyz Fernandes.
The one-day event, held at the Carmel Convent Hall in Hillsborough Auckland under the theme, ‘Oh! To be in Goa!’ was a nostalgic journey into a relaxed and jovial community life of a bygone era.
New Zealand First Party member Mahesh Bindra inaugurated the exhibition organised by former GOANZ president Corvin Carvalho to provide an opportunity for the New Zealand community in general and Goans in particular to relish the drawings of a celebrated cartoonist.
Mr Bindra said, “I am absolutely amazed by the depth and quality of your creations. Your work undoubtedly portrays the serene past and the concrete present of that beautiful land called Goa. I pray to the Almighty that Goa’s future is not what we all fear.”
There were more than 40 sketches at the exhibition, including village scenes, The Feni Story, (Feni is a well-known, home brewed liquor in Goa) and those of famous personalities such as Sir Richard Hadlee, Sir Don Bradman and Lorna Corderio, the ‘Nightingale of Goa.’
The concept of adding a twist of ‘toonism’ to the character without losing the identity is a talent, which was easily identifiable in the cartoons.
Alexyz later met National MPs Dr Jackie Blue, Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, New Zealand artist Ray Dawson.
He also conducted a cartoon workshop for the students of the Orewa College.
His tour of the region included Melbourne and Adelaide in Australia, where he held similar exhibitions.
