Beschreibung:

Francis Newton Souza (1924-2002)Untitled (Abstract Portrait Head)
signed and dated 'Souza 64' upper left
ball point pen and mixed media on canvas, framed
15.2 x 21cm (6 x 8 1/4in).FootnotesProvenance
Property from a private collection, UK.
Acquired from Christies, The Art of Souza: Property from the Estate of Francis Newton Souza, 9th June 2010, lot 145.
'Souza has given to art a great deal more than he has taken from it. His painting is intensely personal, to the point of being esoteric. To appreciate it, one has to participate in certain preoccupations and fears which make his visual distortions explicable and sympathetic...If he was creating monsters, probably no one would be troubled; but because his images are clearly intended to be human, one is compelled to ask why his faces have eyes high up in the forehead, or else scattered in profusion all over the face; why he paints mouths that stretch like hair combs across the face, and limbs that branch out like thistles. Souza's imagery is not a surrealist vision - a self-conscious aesthetic shock - so much as a spontaneous re-creation of the world as he has seen it, distilled in the mind by a host of private experiences and associations.' (Edward Mullins, Souza, Anthony Blond Ltd, 1962, p.38-39.)
Francis Newton Souza, a trailblazing artist of the 20th century, left an indelible mark on the world of modern Indian art. His distinctive style, marked by bold colours, striking compositions, and a fearless exploration of the human form, made him one of India's most celebrated and controversial artists. Born on April 12, 1924, in Saligao, Goa, Souza's life journey was a tumultuous one, marked by artistic triumphs and personal tribulations.
Early Life and Education
Souza was born into a Roman Catholic family in Portuguese-occupied Goa. His early years were fraught with challenges, including poverty and the loss of his father at a young age. Despite these hardships, Souza displayed a remarkable talent for drawing, catching the attention of his teachers and local artists. Encouraged by their support, he pursued formal art education at the Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai, where he honed his skills and developed a strong foundation in classical European art techniques.
The Progressive Artists' Group
After completing his formal education, Souza moved to London in 1949, where he was exposed to the avant-garde art scene. He soon became a prominent member of the "Progressive Artists' Group," a collective of artists who aimed to break free from the confines of traditional Indian art and embrace contemporary, international influences. Souza's work from this period is characterized by a blend of Western modernism and a distinct Indian sensibility.
Artistic Style and Themes
Souza's style was bold and unapologetic. He painted with a sense of urgency, often using thick impasto layers and vibrant colours to depict his subjects. His subjects ranged from portraits and landscapes to religious and erotic themes. Souza's fascination with the human form was a recurring motif in his work, which he often rendered in an abstract and distorted manner, exploring themes of desire, sexuality, and spirituality.
Controversy and Critique
Souza's provocative art often courted controversy, and his provocative themes led to both admiration and condemnation. His bold depictions of sexuality and religion sometimes raised eyebrows, even leading to legal troubles. Despite these challenges, Souza remained uncompromising in his artistic vision, and his work continued to garner attention on the international stage.
International Success
In the 1950s and 1960s, Souza's reputation as a groundbreaking artist grew beyond India's borders. He exhibited extensively in London, New York, and other major art capitals, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. His paintings were acquired by major museums and private collectors worldwide, solidifying his status as a leading figure in contemporary art.
Later Life and Legacy
Souza's later years were marked by personal struggles, including health issues and financial difficulties. He spent the last years of his life in New York, where he continued to paint prolifically until his passing on March 28, 2002. Souza's legacy endures through his pioneering contributions to modern Indian art, inspiring subsequent generations of artists to push boundaries and challenge conventions.