Francisco Victor Newton de Souza (1924–2002)

Overview
Hailed as the enfant terrible of Indian modernism, F. N. Souza pushed boundaries with emotionally charged, visually arresting work. Born in Saligao, Goa, his early fascination with religious iconography—stained glass, biblical scenes, Catholic ritual—permeated a career marked by defiance, experimentation, and prolific writing. A PAG co-founder, his practice fused Catholicism, Indian temple sculpture, European modernism, and non-Western forms into a singular, confrontational language.

Vitrum & Practice
Souza is among the artists associated with Vitrum’s mid-century ceramic experiments. His presence here aligns with Vitrum’s ethos: turning modernist inquiry into democratic, functional art that reached everyday Bombay.

Selected Works at Vitrum
• Hand-painted tiles (typologies represented in the collection).

Quote
“I don’t believe that a true artist paints for coteries or proletariats… he paints solely for himself.” — F. N. Souza

Interesting Facts
• Co-founded the Progressive Artists’ Group (1947).
• Studied at Sir J. J. School of Art; later moved to London and exhibited internationally.
• Known for grotesque heads, erotic nudes, and a fierce critical pen.