Marking 100 Years of FN Souza: A Guided Walkthrough with Conor Macklin

On a damp and cold Sunday afternoon, the historic Bikaner House in Delhi came alive with art enthusiasts, intellectuals, and critics gathered to commemorate the centenary of one of India’s most celebrated modernist painters, FN Souza. The highlight of the day was an insightful curatorial walkthrough led by Conor Macklin, a distinguished English art dealer, director, and gallerist, whose expertise brought Souza’s prolific body of work into vivid focus.

Macklin’s walkthrough was nothing short of brilliant. Beginning with one of Souza’s early masterpieces, The Family, he traced the evolution of the artist’s distinctive style, from the raw power of his classic nudes to the arresting intensity of his portraits and heads. His commentary was imbued with a deep understanding of Souza’s oeuvre, captivating the audience with stories of the artist’s life, inspirations, and his groundbreaking role in modern art.

The event also featured a constellation of notable attendees, including Kajoli Khanna, a director from London; Praveen Mahto, an ardent art lover; Neerja Peters, a talented artist; Tribhuvan Deo, a renowned photographer; and Uma Nair, a curator and critic whose contributions to the art world are widely recognized.

The exhibition’s setting at Bikaner House, with its blend of heritage and modernity, provided the perfect backdrop to celebrate Souza’s enduring legacy. The show featured an extraordinary array of works that spanned the artist’s illustrious career, offering viewers a rare opportunity to engage with his bold, unflinching explorations of human emotion and form.

The afternoon was not just a tribute to FN Souza but also a celebration of the thriving dialogue between artists, critics, and audiences. As Macklin concluded the walkthrough, the crowd left inspired, carrying with them a renewed appreciation for Souza’s art and the indelible mark he left on the world of modernism.

This centennial event was a testament to FN Souza’s timeless relevance and the universal appeal of his work. It underscored the importance of such gatherings in keeping the spirit of art alive and thriving, fostering a deeper connection between creators and connoisseurs.