A sculpture by Goa-based artist Subodh Kerkar, inspired by a popular chicken dish invented during the erstwhile Portuguese rule in the state, has been selected for an exhibition in Australia.
The 'Sculpture by the Sea' exhibition would be held from October 24 to November 10 in Sydney.
"My work, selected for the exhibition is titled ‘Chicken Cafreal’ and is a part of a new series connected with Portuguese influences on Goan culture and cuisine," he said.
This is the third consecutive year that Kerkar's work will be displayed at one of the most prestigious sculpture exhibitions in the world.
'Sculpture by the Sea' is an international competition of sculptures started by David Handley in 1997.
"Over 600 sculptors from all over the world send their entries. Out of which 100 are selected for the exhibition at Bondi along the rocky coastal walk," Kerkar said.
The artist said that over 5,00,000 art lovers view the works for over two weeks.
Speaking about the story behind his piece "Chicken Cafreal", Kerkar said that African slaves were once recruited in Portuguese army during their colonial rule in Goa.
Speaking about the story behind his piece "Chicken Cafreal", Kerkar said that African slaves were once recruited in Portuguese army during their colonial rule in Goa.
"In one such army camp the slaves cooked some chicken using local spices and coriander (which came from Europe). The Portuguese officer liked the chicken and named it ‘Chicken Cafreal’. It was called Cafreal because the blacks were called 'Kafirs' by the Arabs."
'Chicken Cafreal' has become the most popular dish of Goa as well as Portugal now, he explained.
Kerkar said that along with the outdoor sculpture, another sculpture titled 'Karimeen' will be a part of the inside exhibition for the event.