NAGUESH RAO SARDESSAI
‘We dance around in a ring and suppose, but the Secret sits in the middle and knows,’ said American Poet, Robert Frost.
Francis De Souza, wise and inquisitive as a creative person has to be, began his journey towards the core of his being long before it became a fashion of the contemporary world. Francis De Souza has come out with his latest creations that exhibit his journey into the sacred space of his inner self.
Gallery Gitanjali, Panaji, is hosting a show of his latest paintings at ‘Panjim Pousada’. Titled ‘Sacred and Profane’, the works seemingly present a part of that journey and throws in the public domain the intangible impressions.
Reticent and elusive, this highly refined contemporary artist from Goa has consistently produced apparently obscure looking works that hold profound connotations. Primarily a spiritual oriented person with vast reading and inclination to delve deep into the mystical domain, Francis caught up with the teachings of Nisargadatta Maharaj, Ramana Maharshi and many more before getting enamored by the writings of Peruvian-American author Carlos Castaneda.
‘My Paintings,’ says Francis, ‘are essentially an inner journey with all its smooth running, conflicts and battles.’ True as it can be, Francis is a true ‘Karmayogi’. Creating a work of art, for him, is basically a journey, which he enjoys with no strings of expectations attached.
‘Crucifixion’ as a theme engulfed his being and began to flow on to the paper. This show is the outcome of that spontaneously evolved creative call. Be it a Divine intervention or simple subconscious outpouring, the latest works are enlightening.
‘The imagery is only incidental and not subject oriented,’ explains Francis with an intention to guide the viewers into his creative world. Jesus Christ is more than a mere divine being in these works. It is, in Francis’ works, a catalyst to instigate an independent process of exploration.
His process and visual vocabulary is seemingly disjointed, nonlinear yet follows a random path that remains dormant and veiled. Off late, German visual artist, Gerhard Richter has influenced him a lot, especially his nonconformist attitude.
‘There is an element of uncertainty, the sense of completion is held in abeyance,’ explains Francis. This element prods him to explore and experiment on the lines of Gerhard. Unpretentious and naturally oblivious of the critical standards, Francis prefers to follow his instinct and be a spectator in the process of creation whilst in the midst of exploring his inner self. He merely gives a tangible ‘outward’ shape to the intangible ‘inner feelings’.
The Christ in his works exudes a lyrical aura.
Combination of semi abstracts with stylized and figurative adds visual variety and exhibits Francis’ oeuvre.
Francis has participated in several artist camps and feted with several awards that includes State Art Awards and A.I.F.A.C.S Award.
Francis seems to follow Russian writer, Leo Tolstoy’s profound words where he says, ‘Without knowing what I am and why I am here, life is impossible’.
The works were on view till March 31, 2014.
