Exhibition marking FN Souza’s centenary starts at Dhoomimal Art Centre

The Dhoomimal Art Centre has launched a significant exhibition honouring the life and influence of Francis Newton Souza, marking the centenary of his birth. The exhibition opened with a preview on October 7 and will run from October 8 to 27.

As a co-founder of the Progressive Artists’ Group, FN Souza is recognised as a pivotal figure in Modern Indian Art, being among the first post-independence Indian artists to gain international acclaim, particularly in Europe. The exhibition showcases a rare collection of Souza’s works, spanning from the 1950s to the 1980s, including pieces that are publicly exhibited for the first time.

The exhibition will also feature a limited-edition book that includes an essay by Shankar Tripathi, titled “Whose Monster? The Sensation(al) in Francis Newton Souza Today”. The essay reflects on Souza’s artistic legacy, stating, “In the centennial year of his birth—and this exhibition—Souza’s raw, expressive energy continues to reverberate through his subversive canvases, leaving little doubt of his enduring significance”.

Mohit Jain, Director of Dhoomimal Art Centre, shared his memories of Souza, describing him as not only a towering figure in the art world but also a vibrant individual whose personality resonated through his work. He recounted a visit to Souza during his hospitalisation in 2000, where Souza maintained a light-hearted spirit, famously attributing his long health to the “three Ws”—Wealth, Wine, and Women.

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This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore the breadth of Souza’s artistic journey, highlighting his evolution from early expressive drawings to mature works that confront existentialism and personal rebellion. The collection features artworks from the personal collection of Mahender Jain and Sushma Jain, underscoring Souza’s long-standing ties to the Dhoomimal Art Centre and the Jain family.

FN Souza (1924–2002) was instrumental in the establishment of the Progressive Artists’ Group in Bombay (Mumbai) in 1947. His bold works, known for their raw energy and confrontational themes of religion, sexuality, and the human condition, have earned him a prominent place in discussions surrounding post-colonial art. Souza’s contributions continue to resonate in contemporary art circles, with his works housed in prestigious collections around the world.

When: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM; October 8 to October 27

Where: Dhoomimal Art Centre, New Delhi