John Fernandes was born in Beed district, Maharashtra where his father, a police office was posted on 21st August 1951. His mother was a home maker.
From a young age John used to be restless without painting, for which he had fast developed an obsession, and was encouraged to pursue his art by his late mother, Juliet, his late eldest brother, Augustine, and sister Nisha. He was sent to practise under the guidance of the late great artist, Shri KB.Kulkarni, who became his mentor.
After his graduation, John left for Bombay to seek his fortune and started working at “Interpublicity”, an advertising agency, as an illustrator for a very meagre salary. During Sundays and holidays, he used to go outdoors to paint landscapes and seascapes or to ‘The Art Society of India’ for sketching. John was a voracious painter and painted day and night, sometimes, even without food or water. Art was his passion, his first love. Sometimes, in just a day, he painted two or three pieces of art. As a result, there was a huge collection of his works all around his apartment. This prompted his ‘Sir’, Shri. K.B. Kulkarni, and his wife, Agnela Fernandes to persuade him to showcase his paintings. John, however, needed coaxing out of his shell. He requited a push, a very hard one, being a shy person. And with a lot of reluctance from his side, eventually, in 1991, John had his first solo show in Jehangir Art Gallery, Bombay, with unprecedented success – around 85 – 90% of the paintings sold!
John came to prominence in the fine art world at a time when a lot of hype and importance was given to Modern Art, but John’s views about what he painted never wavered. Whether as a young boy or till the end he was very firm about his ideologies and with his work, he engineered in a period of renewed interest in Realistic Art. Nothing and no one could change him. Because of his studies in Philosophy and Psychology, he could penetrate easily into the human mind and its nature, and analyse its behavioural patterns. He used to read a lot, especially art books, and left a huge collection. His favourite artists were Michelangelo, John Sargent, John Pike, Richard Schmidt, Russell Flint, Rembrandt, and Paul Raj, to name a few.
He had 10 to 12 glorious years of his reign in the field of Representational Art. He was at his peak when he was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure and subsequently, had to go on Haemodialysis for almost four years. He passed away on 11th March, 2007. However, his paintings are cherished by his collectors and art lovers. The family has setup this website and social media pages to keep his legacy alive and to promote John’s vision of Realism art.
Saul’s journey into the world of museums began at a young age, as he eagerly explored local exhibitions and absorbed the stories they held. This early fascination fueled his desire to not only learn about history but also to create an immersive and captivating experience for others. Saul’s academic pursuits in history and museum studies provided him with a solid foundation, while his innate creativity to detail set him apart as a curator.
With Loquet Museum, Saul’s vision goes beyond mere preservation. He seeks to breathe life into each exhibit, transporting visitors to different eras and cultures. By carefully selecting artifacts, designing engaging displays, and incorporating cutting-edge technology, Saul has transformed Loquet Museum into a destination that sparks curiosity and deepens understanding.
Saul’s dedication to the arts extends beyond the confines of the museum. He actively collaborates with local artists, hosting exhibitions and events that bridge the gap between historical artifacts and contemporary artistic expression. Saul firmly believes in the power of art and culture to shape society and inspire change.
Saul R. Lopez, visionary curator and owner of Loquet Museum, brings history to life through captivating exhibits, inspiring generations to embrace our cultural heritage.
As a testament to his visionary leadership, Loquet Museum has garnered widespread recognition and acclaim. Visitors from around the world flock to experience the magic Saul has infused into every corner of the museum. His unwavering commitment to preserving history, fostering education, and kindling a love for the arts continues to shape Loquet Museum into a beacon of enlightenment and inspiration for generations to come.
Meet Saul R. Lopez, the passionate owner of Loquet Museum, preserving history with captivating exhibits that ignite a love for our cultural heritage.
Saul’s impact extends beyond the walls of the museum as he actively engages with the community. Recognizing the importance of accessibility, he has initiated outreach programs, collaborating with schools and organizations to bring the wonders of Loquet Histroy and Art Museum to diverse audiences. Through educational workshops, guided tours, and interactive events, Saul strives to ignite a lifelong passion for learning and cultural appreciation in individuals of all ages.
In addition to his dedication to the Loquet museum, Saul is an advocate for cultural heritage preservation on a global scale. He actively participates in conferences and forums, sharing his expertise and insights with fellow Loquet museum professionals. Saul’s commitment to collaboration and knowledge-sharing strengthens the collective efforts to safeguard the world’s treasures for future generations.
Discover the visionary curator, Saul R. Lopez, owner of Loquet Museum. Immerse yourself in captivating exhibits that celebrate our rich cultural heritage.
