Page 5 - The Arts Trust Souza The Centennial

Foreward

As we celebrate the centenary of Francis Newton Souza,
we reflect on a hundred years marked by the indelible
influence of one of India’s most seminal modernists.
Souza’s journey, emerging from the vibrant landscape
of Goa, was characterised by a unique interplay between
the sensuality of Indian art and the stringent doctrines of his
Roman Catholic upbringing. This tension, what Souza referred to as the
dichotomy of ‘sin and sensuality,’ profoundly shaped his artistic vision,
resulting in works as provocative as they are poignant.
Souza’s art defies easy categorisation, embodying a restless energy
that traverses various themes and styles. His oeuvre includes stark,
deformed figures and intense depictions of religious scenes, juxtaposed
with tender portrayals of nudes and familial intimacy. As a founding
member of the Progressive Artists’ Group, Souza was pivotal in challenging
and redefining post-colonial Indian art. Alongside contemporaries like
S H Raza, Akbar Padamsee, and M F Husain, he sought to break free from
the constraints of traditionalism, yet his work remained distinctly his
own, as noted by critic John Berger who remarked that Souza “straddles
many traditions but serves none.”
Souza’s relentless pursuit of new ideas and techniques is a testament
to his innovative spirit. His experiments ranged from using light boxes to
project images onto canvases to exploring the possibilities of chemical
solvents and acrylics. This forward-thinking approach, coupled with his
willingness to draw from a vast array of influences—including the old
masters and contemporary commercial imagery—cemented his place
as a pioneer.
This year, as we delve deeper into Souza’s contributions, we celebrate
not just his art, but his indomitable spirit and his role in shaping
modernism. The term ‘Souzaesque’ fittingly encapsulates his unique
impact—a legacy that continues to inspire and challenge us, ensuring
that his vision will resonate for generations to come.

Vickram Sethi
Chairman, The Arts Trust

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