Page 42 - Historic-Masterpieces-Dec24

Souza & His

Iconic Heads

F N Souza’s striking imagery was a powerful expression of his scepticism
towards society and the hypocrisy of the Church. This is particularly evident in
his well-known ‘Head’ series, which serves as a critique of the societal facade.
Boldly experimental, the series features portraits characterised by thick, virulent
lines and distorted forms. In contrast to conventional portraits that reveal the
subject’s identity or character, Souza’s heads offer a satirical commentary on
the duplicity of human society as a whole.

These works are rendered in his distinctive visual language, employing symbolic
imagery, bold strokes, a dark palette, and exaggerated figuration, reflecting his
unflinching perspective on the human condition.

This presented lot is a striking and evocative example of his signature style.
The composition features a distorted, almost grotesque visage created with
bold, dynamic strokes. The face is rendered in fiery red tones, contrasted by
dark outlines and surrounded by an intense green background that amplifies
the emotional intensity of the piece. The figure’s fragmented and exaggerated
features—such as circular and oval forms scattered across the head—convey
a sense of unease and chaos, reflective of Souza’s critical view of societal
hypocrisy and human frailty. The face lacks conventional realism, instead
embracing abstraction and mutation to symbolise a corrupted or tormented
state of being.