F.N. Souza

One of India’s best known contemporary painters F. N. Souza was born in 1924, Saligoa (a Portugese colony) in a small town in the state of Goa.  F.N Souza founded the progressive artist’s group along with SH Raza, MF Husain, Akbar Padamsee in year 1947. The objective was to advocate the concept of Modern Indian art.

His early works depict the scenes and people of his native place. His initial works were greatly influenced by his Goan roots and featured women, markets, rice fields, priests, churches and homes. During the year of 1948, Souza’s paintings were displayed in London and later on he moved there. The influence of art movements like Expressionism and Art Brut are very clearly visible in his style of work. The artist painted a wide range of subjects throughout his life.

Souza’s bold choices of colours and subjects often challenged the thought process of its viewer. He often used distorted figures to depict the harsh realities of life. It was in 1950s & 60s, When Souza created some of his most notable works. He drew inspiration from Classical Indian Art, African Art and Western modernism. He expanded his reach beyond landscapes and portraits to embrace the sacred and profane in erotically charged images.

A recurrent theme in his works was the conflict in man woman relationship with an emphasis on sexual tension and friction. Souza’s thought provoking sense of painting has created a powerful imagery for the audience.

His travelling years in America are considered to be some of the most technically innovative time of his career. The period comprise of bright and colourful landscapes and cityscapes.  The artist continued to travel extensively and produced large scale works.

The artist passed away in year 2002.