Lot 32 Details

Works on Paper and Books 7-8 May 2025

Anonymous

Untitled [A set...

a) Souza 57, London: Gallery One,...

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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)

$800-1,000
Rs 68,000-85,000

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Lot 51 Details

Works on Paper and Books 7-8 May 2025

Anonymous

Untitled [A set...

a) George Keyt: A Centennial...

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Featuring contributions from art historians, critics, and contemporaries, the volume provides deep insights into Keyt’s artistic, literary, and philosophical influences, including his engagement with Kandyan mural traditions, European modernism, and Indian spiritualism.

Lavishly illustrated with high-quality colour plates of paintings, drawings, murals, and rare archival material, the anthology is both a visual and scholarly tribute to Keyt’s legacy.

This definitive centennial publication is a valuable resource for collectors and institutions focused on South Asian modernism and transnational artistic movements in the 20th century.

b) George Keyt, 43 Paintings, London: Patrick Seale Gallery, 14 September - 5 October 1982, No. 16

unpaginated; softcover
8.25 x 6 in (21 x 15 cm)

Published to accompany George Keyt’s 1982 solo exhibition at the Patrick Seale Gallery, this catalogue documents 43 works by the iconic Sri Lankan modernist, whose lyrical figuration and cubist idiom earned him recognition both in South Asia and the West. The catalogue includes a brief introductory text, along with high-quality reproductions of exhibited paintings, many of which were drawn from private collections and were on view in London for the first time.

A scarce and important primary source on Keyt’s international exhibition history, reflecting the critical acclaim he received in Europe during the 1980s. Highly relevant for collectors and researchers of modern South Asian art.

(Set of two)

$300-400
Rs 25,500-34,000

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Lot 66 Details

Works on Paper and Books 7-8 May 2025

Anonymous

Untitled [Set of ...

a) Transferences, London: Zwemmer...

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b) Trends in Contemporary Painting from India, New York: Graham Gallery / American Federation of Arts, 1959

14 pages; softcover
9.25 x 6.25 in (23.5 x 16 cm)

This rare catalogue accompanied the groundbreaking 1959 exhibition Trends in Contemporary Painting from India at the Graham Gallery, New York. Organized by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas and Martha Keehn and co-sponsored by The American Federation of the Arts and Asia Society, the exhibition was the first major presentation of modern Indian art in the United States and featured 20 works by eight pioneering Indian artists: S H Raza, M F Husain, F N Souza, V S Gaitonde, Akbar Padamsee, Krishen Khanna, Ram Kumar, and Mohan Samant. ?

One of the most significant paintings Village with Church (1958), by Syed Haider Raza from the collection of the late Mr. and Mrs. John D. and Blanchette Rockefeller III, representing the apex of Raza's early period (1943-1959) was part of this show.

The catalogue includes an introductory essay by Keehn, offering insights into the evolution of modern Indian art and the significance of the Progressive Artists' Group. It features black-and-white reproductions of selected works, providing a visual overview of the artists' diverse styles and thematic concerns.?

Following its debut at the Graham Gallery from February 10 to 26, 1959, the exhibition toured extensively across the United States, with 10 venues including the American University in Washington, D.C.; West Virginia Institute of Technology; Speed Museum in Louisville, Kentucky; Dorothy Yepez Gallery in Saranac Lake, New York; SUNY Oswego; Western Michigan University; Eastern Tennessee State College; Denison University; and Chatham College in Pittsburgh.

This catalogue represents a pivotal moment in the international recognition of Indian modernist art. The exhibition played a crucial role in introducing the works of the Progressive Artists' Group to American audiences, marking a significant milestone in the global appreciation of Indian contemporary art.

(Set of two)

$400-600
Rs 34,000-51,000

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