F.N. Souza. "Untitled (Couple)". 1950. Brown Ink on Paper.
Unframed dimensions: 10 x 8 in.
Framed dimensions: 21 x 18 in.

"Couple" is one of the finest works on paper by arguably the most famous Post-Modern & Contemporary Indian artist, Frances Newton Souza. A masterpiece from 1950, "Couple" is stunning and underscores Souza's incredible skill as a draftsman and his unique manner of line and mark-making. The theme is also one that occupies much of his decades of works, both in paintings and works on paper, especially the theme of the female nude, lovers and couples.

Born in the Portuguese colony of Goa, Francis Newton Souza’s (1924-2002) expressionistic style and provocative work frequently draws upon personal life experiences in order to explore the dichotomy between adversity and perseverance. The confluence of his family’s Roman Catholic religion, along with the provocative Indian Art that surrounded his upbringing, produced stark juxtapositions which disquiet the viewer while alluring to their visual sensations. Often exploring the destructive qualities found in societies, Souza exposed hypocrisies and corruption alike to provide confrontational viewpoints through his art. As a founding member of the Progressive Artists’ Group of Bombay, Souza was the first post-independence Indian artist to achieve recognition in the Western world. In 1949 Souza made London his primary residence until 1967 when he made his way to New York to live and work until his death in 2002.