14 January 2025/

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF FN SOUZA: A WALKTHROUGH WITH CONOR MACKLIN

On the afternoon of Sunday, 12 January 2025, Bikaner House in New Delhi was abuzz with excitement as art lovers, intellectuals and critics gathered to celebrate the 100 years of FN Souza, one of India’s most famous modernist painters. The event’s highlight was a captivating curatorial walkthrough by Conor Macklin, an esteemed English art dealer, director and gallerist, who expertly showcased legendary artist FN Souza’s extensive body of work.

“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,” says the organizers through a press release.

The event was graced by dignitaries such as 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 well-known curator and critic. 

Bikaner House, with its blend of heritage and modernity, provided the perfect setting to celebrate Souza’s legacy. The exhibition showcased an extraordinary array of works from Souza’s illustrious career, offering viewers a unique opportunity to engage with his bold explorations of human emotion and form.

This centennial event highlighted F N Souza’s timeless relevance, the impact he made on modernism, and the universal appeal of his work. It emphasized the importance of such gatherings in keeping the spirit of art alive and fostering deeper connections between creators and connoisseurs. 

IT WAS MORE THAN JUST A TRIBUTE TO FN SOUZA; IT WAS A CELEBRATION OF THE VIBRANT DIALOGUE BETWEEN ARTISTS, CRITICS AND AUDIENCES.