Important Notice

"The substance is black, not the smooth black of pure sensation but a very palpable black, its solidity created by thick brush strokes in different directions and by a considerable range of tones according to the paint's direction in relation to the light" (Dennis Duerden, "F.N. Souza", Arts Review, London, 14 May 1966, p. 215).

"It is...essential to have an understanding of Souza's religious roots and powers of imagination. Religion... "The substance is black, not the smooth black of pure sensation but a very palpable black, its solidity created by thick brush strokes in different directions and by a considerable range of tones according to the paint's direction in relation to the light" (Dennis Duerden, "F.N. Souza", Arts Review, London, 14 May 1966, p. 215).

"It is...essential to have an understanding of Souza's religious roots and powers of imagination. Religion is the theme of many of his works. But he also considers religion as a compulsion...Souza claims that religious art would be acceptable only when it is presented in the form of kitsch. Only then would it be worshipped.

"My religion-related works are not kitsch." (Vinod Bhardwaj, "Souza: Beyond all this Fiddle", Francis Newton Souza: Dhoomimal Gallery Collection, New Delhi: Dhoomimal Gallery, 2009, p68)

Here Souza portrays the head of Christ in dark monochrome against a heavily textured checkerboard backdrop, using only brushstroke to differentiate one area from the other. Bordering on the sculptural, this painting recalls the Roman Catholic reliefs and icons that Souza encountered in Goa's churches during his youth.

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