Important Notice

Lot 32

 

Quick Zoom

a) Souza 57, London: Gallery One, 1957

20 pages, including a 2-page biographical note. Illustrated with 12 full-page black and white reproductions of paintings and 1 black and white portrait of the artist; original stapled pink printed wrappers
9 x 6 in (23 x 15 cm)

Early and scarce exhibition catalogue published by Gallery One, London, for a solo exhibition of F. N. Souza in 1957. Illustrated with 12 full-page black and white reproductions of paintings, along with a black and white portrait of the artist. Includes a two-page biographical note. An important document of Souza's early years in the British art scene, capturing his raw expressionist idiom and the beginnings of his international acclaim.

b) F N Souza, London: Gallery One, 1961

24 pages, including 11 quotes by Souza, 8 full-page black and white reproductions of paintings, 1 black and white portrait, and 1 double-page colour spread. Includes a 3-page biographical note, 3-page bibliography, and 4-page list of collectors; original stapled green printed wrappers.
7.5 x 7.5 in (19 x 19 cm)

This well-illustrated and text-rich catalogue provides personal insights into Souza’s artistic philosophy alongside a rare double-page colour reproduction, contextual biographical material, and a notable collectors’ list.

c) F N Souza, London: Gallery One, November - December 1962

[16] pages, unpaginated. Line drawings printed on inner covers; 4 large black and white illustrations; 3 tipped-in colour plates. Includes an introduction by Andrew Sinclair, a biographical note, and an extensive bibliography; original stiff glossy photo-illustrated card wrappers.
11 x 9.75 in (28 x 25 cm)

A comprehensive and visually dynamic catalogue from Souza’s 1962 exhibition at Gallery One. This edition pairs critical commentary with fine-quality reproductions and rich bibliographic content, exemplifying the artist’s stature in international modernism.

d) F N Souza 1959 London: Gallery One, 1959

unpaginated. Illustrated with 5 black and white reproductions of paintings, including an introduction by Nevile Wallis
9 x 6 in (23 x 15.5 cm)

F N Souza and Gallery One: A Defining Partnership in Post-War British Modernism

One of the most significant partnerships in the history of modern Indian art in Britain is that between F N Souza and Gallery One. Established by Victor Musgrave in 1953, Gallery One immediately became known as a trailblazing venue for non-Western and avant-garde artists, fearlessly supporting people at the periphery of the British art scene. Souza discovered a venue that was especially receptive to his radical style and thought-provoking subjects in this progressive setting.

When Souza first arrived in London in 1949, he had a hard time getting noticed. Musgrave awarded him a solo exhibition at Gallery One in 1955, which marked his breakthrough and introduced the British public to an artist whose work defied classification by fusing the sensuous with the political and the obscene with the religious. Souza became a unique voice in the post-war European avant-garde as a result of this exhibition's critical and financial success.

The narrative of Souza's evolving style and growing international prominence may be seen through a succession of solo exhibits at Gallery One during the late 1950s and early 1960s, each accompanied by unique catalogues: Souza 57, F N Souza (1961), and F N Souza(1962). In addition to documenting his shows, these catalogues—which were frequently lavishly illustrated and included critical essays or autobiographical texts—acted as manifestos of his artistic vision.

In addition to exhibition space, Gallery One's backing gave Souza professional security, cultural credibility, and a voice in London's and Europe's global art scenes. Souza's success, in turn, contributed to the establishment of Gallery One as a forward-thinking, international venue that redefined British modernism by embracing the world.

(Set of four)