Francis Newton Souza: 1924–2002

Francis Newton Souza was a founder member of the Progressive Artists’ Group (PAG), largely responsible for shaping the Modern Art movement in India.

He went on to become a celebrated artist in Europe, following exhibitions in London in the 1950s. He was influenced by the traditional temple sculpture of India, even as he imbibed from the sensibilities of European Old Masters and Modern painters. He was ranked along with artists of the stature of Georges Rouault, Chaime Soutine, Graham Sutherland and even Pablo Picasso.
Souza was bitterly critical of his natal Catholic Church and the hypocrisy of its clergy. He sought to disturb accepted notions of aesthetics and jolt stereotypical perceptions about religion, sin, sensuality and a supposedly benevolent political order. His artistic talents, whether in oil painting, writing, or line drawing, remain utterly compelling.
Posthumously, his work has achieved further critical acclaim, and is avidly sought after in India, the UK and the USA. The Tate Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum of London own several of his works and have exhibited them from time to time.
The renowned Indian painter M F Husain paid a tribute by stating, “Souza was my mentor . . . he is the most significant painter, almost a genius”.