Walls of Mandrem Vol. 01- Community Art Exhibit by Studio Noor and Hustliq House Cafe in Goa

Mandrem witnessed a vibrant coming together of artists and art lovers over the weekend of 14th and 15th March, as Walls of Mandrem Vol. 01 unfolded in collaboration with Studio Noor and Hustliq House Cafe.

Art Exhibition at Studio Noor in Mandrem, North Goa.

This Community Art exhibition brought together a diverse group of contemporary artists, each presenting a unique visual language. The featured artists included, in alphabetical order: Gaurika Noor, Hemant Verma, Maya Tideman, Megha Jeevan, Natasha Menon, Neha Chaudhary, Preetal Dingre, Roshni Ali, Sahaya Sharma, Sahil Savla, and Shanteri Nayak.

From Left to Right : Shail Savla, Roshni Ali, Neha Chaudhary, Gaurika Noor, Maya Tideman, Kanika Narag Sagar and Gunjan Chaudhury

Spread across the intimate setting of Hustliq House Cafe on the ground floor and Noor Studio on the 3rd floor, the exhibition transformed the space into a dynamic visual experience. The works on display ranged widely in style and technique—from expressive collage-based compositions to intricate dot work, reflecting the diversity of voices within Goa’s evolving art scene.

What set Walls of Mandrem apart was its strong sense of community. The event saw a steady flow of friends, familiar faces, and curious visitors, creating an atmosphere that was both relaxed and engaging. Conversations flowed easily between artists and viewers, blurring the line between creator and audience.

I showcased my painting “Universal Ganesha”, a 4 ft × 3 ft acrylic on canvas. The work depicts Ganesha in the act of writing the Mahabharata, bearing three Sanskrit words that translate to “Greed destroys wisdom.”

In one hand, he holds the Earth—a reminder of nature’s abundance, and of the wisdom required to truly recognise and preserve it. The painting draws from mythology while speaking to a deeply contemporary reality.

Created during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, this work is an attempt to reflect on the consequences of human greed and to offer a quiet, divine reminder—one that calls for balance, awareness, and wisdom in times of chaos.

Universal Ganesha”, a 4 ft × 3 ft acrylic on canvas by Roshni Ali

Alongside my art calendar “Reimagining Indian Gods in Contemporary Goa.”

It was deeply heartening to share my work with people who truly connected with it. I gave away stickers to those who resonated with the art—a small gesture, but one that made the exchange feel personal and meaningful. The joy of sharing one’s creation is a uniquely human pleasure, something difficult to fully put into words.

A highlight of the event was a live art session, participants sat across from one another and created spontaneous portraits. This interactive element invited visitors not just to observe art, but to actively engage in the process of making it—capturing fleeting expressions and human connections in real time.

Live Painting Session

Community Art Exhibit studio noor gaurika noor

More than just an exhibition, Walls of Mandrem Vol. 01 felt like a gathering of a creative community—one that values collaboration, experimentation, and shared experiences. By bringing together artists with distinct styles under one roof, the event celebrated not only individual expression but also the collective energy of Goa’s art culture.

As the first edition of what promises to be an ongoing series, Walls of Mandrem sets a strong foundation for future editions—offering a platform where art, people, and place come together in meaningful ways.

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To connect mail theroshniali@gmail.com or DM on Instagram