Among the emerging talents in Goa’s vibrant art scene is Prasanna Dattaprasad Kakatkar, a gifted young artist from Khorlim, Mapusa. His journey into the world of fine arts is as inspiring as it is impressive, reflecting a unique blend of passion, perseverance, and artistic innovation.
A Journey Rooted in Passion
Born and raised in Mapusa, Prasanna’s artistic journey began at Saraswat Vidyalaya, where his talent for drawing was first recognized. Encouraged by his school to participate in poster-making competitions, he gradually discovered his passion for art. Unlike many artists who inherit their craft, Prasanna is the first in his family to pursue art professionally.
Determined to develop his skills, he pursued a B.Sc. in Mural and Print Media at DECAD (Devrukh College of Art and Design) in Ratnagiri, affiliated with Mumbai University. The move from Goa to Ratnagiri posed several challenges—adjusting to a new environment, language, and lifestyle took time. Yet, he embraced the rigorous curriculum, which required completing 10–20 sketches daily, sharpening both his technique and discipline.
Artistic Evolution and Early Challenges
Prasanna’s journey took an unexpected turn during the COVID-19 lockdown, which temporarily disrupted his academic and professional plans. However, he made the most of this period by working from home—creating portraits and paintings, and eventually establishing his home studio, The P2 Studio. Named after his mother, Prachi, and sister, Prabhavi, the studio symbolizes his dedication and familial inspiration.
His creativity soon expanded beyond painting. In 2022, he ventured into craftwork, creating Narkasur effigies and thermocol art cuttings. Although not formally trained in architecture, his intuitive understanding of proportion and scale distinguished his work. A pivotal moment arrived in 2023 when he submitted a miniature model of Reis Magos Fort in a local competition. The judges were astonished to learn he wasn’t an architecture student—his model earned him second place.
Fueled by this recognition, he went on to construct striking models, including a 7×4 ft replica of Mangueshi Temple and a detailed model of Bodgeshwar Temple, further showcasing his artistic range and technical prowess.
A Platform for Creative Expression
One of the most transformative milestones in Prasanna’s career was his participation in Artists Collective Goa, a prestigious initiative hosted by Goa Brewing Co. in Sangolda. Collaborating with fellow artists, he showcased his work in an exhibition that offered invaluable exposure and encouragement.
Further cementing his place in the local art community, he set up a stall at the Bodgeshwar Zatra in Mapusa, where his art received an overwhelmingly positive response. These experiences have only strengthened his resolve to exhibit his work not just across Goa, but beyond its borders.
Future Aspirations and Vision
Looking ahead, Prasanna is preparing to launch a YouTube channel dedicated to his creative journey. Though the channel is already set up, he’s refining its content to ensure it reflects the depth and quality of his work before sharing it with the public.
In addition to upcoming art exhibitions, he is continuously expanding his creative portfolio. His ultimate goal is to establish a lasting presence in the art world while staying rooted in his Goan heritage.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Artists
To those aspiring to pursue a career in art, Prasanna offers sincere advice: work hard, stay dedicated, and never give up. He acknowledges that financial challenges may require artists to take on other jobs but insists that one’s passion for art should never be abandoned.
His own journey—from a young student sketching at school competitions to becoming a Fine Arts teacher at two institutions—demonstrates the power of resilience and faith in one’s abilities.
The Legacy of a True Goan Artist
Prasanna Dattaprasad Kakatkar stands as a symbol of Goa’s evolving artistic identity—a blend of traditional values and contemporary creativity. In a state celebrated for its rich artistic legacy, he represents the new generation of Goan creatives shaping the future of art.
As he continues to grow and evolve, one thing is certain—his artistic journey has only just begun, and the world is yet to witness the full scope of his creative brilliance.
