Marking the centenary of one of India’s most celebrated modernists, Saffronart, in collaboration with the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA), Grosvenor Gallery, and Harper Collins, presents the Francis Newton Souza – Centenary Exhibition. This landmark event, honoring the legacy of F.N. Souza, will open on January 10, 2025, at the Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) at Bikaner House, New Delhi, and will run until January 22, 2025.
Born in 1924 in the Portuguese colony of Goa, Mr. Souza was a pioneering figure in modern Indian art. As a founding member of the Progressive Artists’ Group (PAG), Souza spearheaded a movement that sought to break free from the artistic conventions established during the colonial era. His works redefined Indian art by drawing inspiration from indigenous forms such as Hindu sculpture and Mughal miniature paintings, elevating them as high art rather than mere craft.
Mr. Souza’s early works in India were met with limited acclaim, prompting him to move to Britain in 1949. Immersing himself in London’s vibrant art scene, he quickly gained recognition for his bold and unrestrained style. His 1955 exhibition at Gallery One in London was a sell-out, catapulting him to international fame. Souza’s works, known for their vivid intensity and graphic nature, often juxtaposed themes of darkness with irony and humor, challenging viewers with their visceral impact.
In 1967, Mr. Souza relocated to New York, where he continued to create until his passing in 2002. Today, his masterpieces are part of esteemed collections, including the Tate Gallery in London and the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi.
John Berger, a renowned art critic, encapsulated Mr. Souza’s genius when he remarked, “He straddles several traditions but serves none.” While Mr. Souza’s art reflects influences ranging from Goan folk art to Renaissance masterpieces, his distinctive style is characterized by acutely distorted figures and landscapes that retain a connection to reality, steering clear of complete abstraction.
The centenary exhibition at CCA is a culmination of a year-long celebration that began with In/Of Goa: Souza at 100 in Goa, followed by exhibitions in London and Mumbai. Auction house Christie’s offered 36 works by Mr. Souza in March 2024 to celebrate the centenary, where The Lovers sold for $4,890,000, and Priest with Chalice sold for $3,922,000.
Visitors at CCA can expect an immersive experience, showcasing Mr. Souza’s enduring legacy and his significant contributions to modern art. For art enthusiasts and collectors alike, this exhibition is an unmissable tribute to a luminary whose works continue to inspire and provoke.
