Page 17 - The Arts Trust Souza The Centennial

fascination with the duality of sin and to incorporate elements of African and
sensuality. His art was provocative, Primitive art, which in turn was influencing
intertwining the sacred and the profane. European Modernism at the time. This
The female nude remained a major theme impact is evident in the stylized features
in Souza’s work, showcasing his exceptional and modular forms of the female nude,
mastery of female anatomy. His bold, almost conjured at the cusp of life in London and a
shocking depictions assert his individuality deep nostalgia for his artistic homeland of
and freedom. From the start, Souza’s nudes India. This wistful longing is captured in the
evolved into enigmatic creations. Unlike a soft features of the female figure, adorned
mere realistic approach, his work reveals with classical ornamentation inspired
raw sensuality without apprehension. His by Indian temple sculptures of Mathura
artistic vision and human persona guided and Khajuraho. Although this painting
his path to uninhibited self-expression. is an early example of his preference for
Souza believed in reflecting the raw truth portraying robust, voluptuous women in
of human nature, infusing life into his art. bold frontal poses, it differs significantly
His unfiltered approach and technical skill from the more explicit, provocative nudes
reveal both the artist and the man. Souza’s he would frequently create in later years.
nudes strip superficiality, revealing raw Another important work from this
sensuality and unrestrained truth. period is Priest with Chalice, painted
Painted in 1950, a year after Souza in 1953, which perfectly captures his
arrived in London, Front-Back Nude ambivalence towards organised religion. As
satisfied with the progressive offerings of Souza’s final exhibition in India before resonates with this early Western exposure. he aged, Souza’s increasing cynicism and
these artists.” he left for London was an extraordinary It was likely during this period that he began disdain for religious hypocrisy and power
Another exhibition of Souza’s works at review of his career. His earlier works
the Sir Cowasji Jehangir Hall in Bombay, displayed raw experimentation, but this
organised by the Art Society of India, show was a blend of diverse influences, from Richard Bartholomew’s
sparked a controversy. Among the four ancient Indian art to the Impressionists. portrait of Souza at his New
submitted works were two erotic visages Souza boarded the SS Canton for York apartment in 1970-71
inspired by Ancient Classical sculpture. London in July 1949, arriving a few weeks
The centrepiece was a daring self-portrait later at Tilbury with only 15 pounds on him.
in the nude, seemingly challenging societal Once in London, he spent the majority on
double standards regarding the acceptance buying paint and brushes.
of female nudes versus male portraits. Four
days after the opening, authorities abruptly london calling
removed the artworks, citing censorship Life in London was far from easy. Souza
concerns. Police scrutinised Souza, secured occasional journalistic writing
searching his studio for pornographic and received sporadic commissions,
material and eventually charging him with notably arranged by Krishna Menon, the
obscenity. This incident turned a new page Indian High Commissioner. Menon also
in Souza’s exciting life. had Souza create a series of large murals
For quite some time, the Director of for the Indian Students’ Bureau in London
Baroda Museum, Dr. Herman Goetz and von (the building has since been demolished)
Leyden, had urged Souza to venture West and organised an exhibition of his work at
and witness Contemporary Modernism and India House. During the early 1950s, Souza
Western art masters firsthand. His friend, barely sold any paintings in London or
Indian theatre director Ebrahim Alkazi, Paris. Undeterred, he immersed himself in
who had relocated to London two years the museums and art galleries of London,
earlier, had penned letters encouraging absorbing works he had only seen in books.
him to make the journey. Souza’s early works revealed his

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