Viola Rodrigues

In the vibrant world of Indian contemporary art, few names resonate as powerfully as Viola Rodrigues. A pioneer in Goa’s art scene, Viola has spent over 12 years redefining creativity through diverse mediums and groundbreaking projects. As the founder, director, and coordinator of Vola Art Escape, her journey is not just a story of personal success, but also a testament to how passion, perseverance, and vision can carve a lasting impact in the cultural landscape.

A Lifelong Passion for Art

Viola’s artistic journey began remarkably early. At just five years old, she was experimenting with sketching, doodling, and painting, instinctively exploring the fundamentals of colour and form. Her first artworks were inspired by fashion trends and garment design, a theme that hinted at her innate sense of style and visual storytelling. Her father, Vernon Rodrigues, recognized her raw talent early on and was instrumental in nurturing it. “My parents were always open-minded and persuasive and encouraged me to follow my goals to the fullest,” Viola reflects.

The Birth of ‘Vola Art Escape’

Channeling her growing expertise and love for painting, Viola launched Vola Art Escape, initially as an online gallery. This platform soon expanded into a physical space in Porvorim and eventually found its permanent home in Candolim, located prominently on the main road near the Candolim Health Centre. Today, the gallery stands as a cultural hub for tourists and art lovers, offering a rich spectrum of styles including abstracts, contemporary themes, religious motifs, detailed doodling, and other Indian artistic forms.

One of the gallery’s unique features is its interactive environment, with live artists available for custom portraiture and personalized pieces, turning each visit into a creative experience. Viola affectionately describes her gallery as “a piping hot cup of tea for each and everybody,” inviting all to find something that speaks to them.

Beyond the Gallery Walls

Viola doesn’t limit her creativity to gallery walls. She actively undertakes personal commissions for portraits, sculptures, and cultural murals. Taking a client-centric approach, she makes it a priority to understand each patron’s vision before creating a tailored masterpiece. Her preference for detailed and layered artwork is evident in every stroke.

Viola has a special love for oil painting and acrylics, with strong inclinations toward contemporary, abstract, and Renaissance art. She holds Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo in high regard, two artists whose influence continues to inspire her own stylistic evolution.

Pan-India Presence and International Reach

During the peak of the global pandemic in 2020, Viola achieved a remarkable feat, selling over 5,000 paintings across India, the Middle East, and Europe. This milestone established her not only as a regional talent but as a Pan-India and international artist with broad appeal.

Casino, Tito’s, Antares, Cohiba, and Ritz Classic. A prestigious client she holds close to her heart is Mr. Narayan Bandekar, who has displayed her artwork at The HQ Hotel in Vasco and remains a cherished mentor.

Landmark Project: Aiden by Best Western

One of Viola’s most recent and ambitious accomplishments was her collaboration with the American hotel chain "Aiden by Best Western", located in Vagator, North Goa. Over a span of just three months, she and her team created and installed custom murals for key areas such as the reception, bar, lounge, restaurant, staircases, and hallways.

Art for Every Space and Occasion

Vola Art Escape offers customized artworks for both residential and commercial clients. From personalized sketches, wall murals, and canvas paintings, to live caricatures and face painting for corporate events, private functions, and birthday parties, Viola ensures every piece is crafted to reflect the client's taste and budget.

Supporting the Next Generation

Beyond her personal success, Viola is deeply committed to fostering emerging talent in Goa. Her gallery offers internship opportunities for young artists eager to hone their craft. She also spearheaded the International Art Contest, which saw its successful second edition in 2020, recognizing budding artists from across India and overseas with certificates and cash prizes.

A Journey Fueled by Gratitude and Vision

Looking back, Viola expresses heartfelt gratitude to Anshuman Sharma and her parents, who played critical roles in encouraging her and helping navigate the business side of art. “Connections and finances are a must for any artist,” she says. “But in my case, it was the unwavering support from my family and tech-savvy mentors that gave me the push I needed.

The Road Ahead

Looking to the future, Viola aims to open one or two more galleries outside Goa, expanding her presence on the Pan-India level. She also envisions creating a dedicated interior design studio connected to art, offering a comprehensive suite of artistic services

A Mentor and a Movement

Viola Rodrigues is more than an artist, she is a movement in motion. As a role model to many young creatives, she offers not just inspiration but tangible support. “Join me and we will give you an opportunity to grow as an artist while giving proper exposure and a good platform to showcase your talents,” she says with passion. “Even a dish needs a pinch of salt. We will sculpt you to be an all-round artist.”