Exploring Metaphors For Freedom

Documenting pictures of prison camps in the erstwhile Portuguese colonies on the west coast of Africa, former Secretary of State for Culture in Portugal, Jorge Barreto Xavier showcased the work in an exhibition ‘Campo de Chão Bom’ at the recently concluded GALF. The occasion also saw the release of his debut Portuguese novel ‘Alexandria’. He was recently in conversation with Patricia Ann Alvares.

Proud of his connection to Goa, Jorge Barreto Xavier’s trip to this verdant state this time was more than a homecoming of sorts. It was an occasion to unveil his artistic talents – a photography exhibition and the release of his debut Portuguese novel ‘Alexandria’ at the recently concluded Goa Arts and Literary Festival (GALF) 2016. “I come frequently to Goa. But this is the first time that I am presenting myself as an artist here. Hosting this exhibition in Panjim was quite significant for me as I was born here, so it was an emotional occasion for me,” revealed the former Secretary of State for Culture. Now a lecturer at Lisbon University, he is in the process of writing his PhD thesis and simultaneously creating a new initiative – a programme on Culture, Development and Society.