Francis Newton Souza

Francis Newton Souza was one of the most influential and provocative figures in modern Indian art. A founder of the Progressive Artists’ Group in Bombay, Souza challenged the conservatism of postcolonial India with bold, expressionistic works that explored religion, sexuality, and power with unflinching honesty.

Born in Goa and educated in Bombay, Souza moved to London in 1949, where his raw, angular style and fearless subject matter quickly attracted critical attention. His works fuse Western modernism—drawing from artists like Picasso and Rouault—with deeply personal reflections on Catholic iconography, colonialism, and the human condition.

Souza’s figures are often distorted yet deeply emotive, their intensity revealing both the artist’s inner conflicts and his biting commentary on hypocrisy and desire. His paintings are held in major collections worldwide, including Tate Modern (London), the National Gallery of Modern Art (New Delhi), and the Museum of Modern Art (New York).

A rebel, visionary, and pioneer, Souza’s legacy lies in his uncompromising voice—a fusion of intellect and instinct that forever changed the trajectory of Indian modern art.