100 Years of F.N. Souza: Rare Artworks on Display at this Exhibition in Delhi

Celebrations are ongoing to mark 100 years since the birth of Francisco Victor Newton de Souza (F.N. Souza, 1924-2002), one of the most influential modern painters of the 20th century. Art galleries across the country are paying tribute to one of the most audacious artists of post-Independence India. An ongoing exhibition at Delhi‘s Dhoomimal Art Centre commemorates his centenary with a rare collection of Souza’s works from the 1950s to the 1980s on display. Some of these pieces have never been seen publicly before, making the exhibition even more special, as they come from the personal collection of Dhoomimal Art Centre’s Mahender and Sushma Jain.

In a Q&A with Times Now, Mohit Jain, director of Dhoomimal Art Centre, reflected on Souza’s work and the personal relationship they shared.

Can you tell us about any artworks Souza created specifically for your family? How did those pieces come about, and what makes them special to you?

F.N. Souza was a regular visitor to the gallery, and during his 1993 trip, as a friendly gesture, he made a portrait of me and my mother. This drawing holds a special place in my heart, not only because it was created by him but also for how beautifully he captured both of our essences. It’s extraordinary, especially knowing how different it is from his usual style.

You had the chance to interact with Souza personally. What was he like beyond the art world, and what do you think inspired his creativity?

There is one memory of his I have that stands out. In the year 2000, “Souza Uncle” was hospitalised in Delhi at Aashlok Hospital. My mother, [Sushma Jain], and I went to visit him. Despite being hospitalized, he seemed in high spirits, even telling us that this was his first-ever hospital stay. He joked that he stayed healthy all his life thanks to the “three Ws”—Wealth, Wine, and Woman. It was a moment that encapsulated both his charm and his philosophy of life. I think his desire to prove himself and bring about change in the art trend in India was what inspired his creativity.

Do you have a favourite piece by Souza? What makes it stand out for you, both personally and artistically?

I’d say every work in this exhibition is a favourite of mine, but if I had to choose, it would be the nude figure from 1952, done in ink on paper. The intricate and detailed crosshatching in this piece is what makes it stand out for me. It’s one of his earliest works, from a time when he was still developing his style. The way he distorts the body, the composition, and his use of space make it truly remarkable.

Souza’s works are highly sought after today. How valuable are they now, and is there a way to quantify their worth?

Souza is one of the artists who has broken records in auctions, with some of his works fetching several crores. We have seen a steady increase in the value of his work, particularly since 2005, when the first major boom occurred. Since then, his market value has risen consistently. There is a way to quantify his worth by analyzing market trends, the demand for his works, and auction results, which have significantly influenced his global market value. The value of his works also varies based on several factors, including size, medium, and most importantly, the year of creation. His earlier works are in higher demand and are valued much more than his later works, which are comparatively lower in value. Souza is one artist with a global market and a broad audience.

How did your personal encounters with Souza shape the way you understand and present his art today?

As a child, I kept a respectful distance, observing him as he interacted with my father, Mahender Jain, and my uncles. He often seemed either deeply lost in thought or quietly drinking, rarely speaking much—unlike many of the other artists. My young mind even mistakenly thought he wasn’t an Indian artist but a foreigner. However, when I later began working at the gallery, my understanding of Souza evolved completely. I came to know him not just as an artist but as a dynamic, intense person—someone whose depth of thought was reflected in his paintings. I closely listened to his discussions with other artists about the art world and its future, absorbing as much as I could from those conversations.

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