IKONS : TWO GOAN PILLARS IN ART
Francis Newton Souza, better known as F. N. Souza, was a Goan artist who achieved international recognition. He was a founding member of the Progressive Artists’ Group of Bombay and was born in the village of Saligao, Goa. Souza studied at the Sir J. J. School of Art in Bombay but was expelled in 1945 for his support of the Quit India Movement. In 1947, he co-founded the Bombay Progressive Artists’ Group, which encouraged Indian artists to engage with the international avant-garde.
In 1949, Souza moved to London, where he initially struggled to make a mark as an artist. However, his career gradually gained momentum, and he participated in several exhibitions, receiving positive reviews. Souza’s paintings have since become highly sought after, with some selling for over a million dollars. In 2008, his painting “Birth” (1955) set a world auction record for the most expensive Indian painting sold at the time, fetching US$2.5 million (Rs 11.3 crore) at a Christie’s auction. In 2015, “Birth” was resold at Christie’s in New York for more than US$4 million. In June 2010, Christie’s held an auction of over 140 lots from the Souza Estate, where many of his works sold for prices far exceeding estimates.
V. S. Gaitonde, born in 1924 in Nagpur, Maharashtra, to Goan parents, was another prominent figure in Indian art. He received his art diploma from the J. J. School of Art in 1948 and was awarded the Padma Shri in 1971. Gaitonde was the first Indian contemporary painter whose work sold for ₹9 million (US$130,000) at a 2005 Osians art auction in Mumbai. In 2013, one of Gaitonde’s untitled paintings sold for ₹237 million (US$3.5 million), setting a record for an Indian artist at Christie’s debut auction in India. The auction sparked renewed interest in Gaitonde’s work, leading to the restoration and public display of one of his paintings at the Central Museum in Nagpur in January 2014.
What is the Job all about?
Art encompasses anything and everything that is aesthetically appealing, visually pleasing, and capable of conveying a meaningful message. Art takes many forms, including painting, sculpture, sketching, cartooning, ceramics/pottery, graphics, photography, and interior design.
• Painters: Create portraits, landscapes, still life, abstract designs, and murals on various surfaces using different mediums.
• Sculptors: Carve figures, statues, and monuments, often working with stone, wood, clay, or modern materials like reinforced cement, concrete, or Plaster of Paris.
• Commercial Artists: Design advertisements, product packaging (e.g., perfumes, chocolates), visuals for hoardings, newspaper ads, TV/cinema commercials, and more.
• Designers: Work closely with experts from technical and business disciplines to create designs that meet commercial and technical requirements.
• Graphic Artists: Specialize in lettering, illustration, photography, and the design of symbols and logos. They also create visual aids for industrial and educational applications, TV graphics, packaging, publicity, advertising, stamp and letterhead design, and more.
Can you go for it?
To succeed in art, you need talent, dedication, an eye for form, a strong understanding of color, and the creative ability to develop original ideas. Effective communication through visual art often involves conveying political, social, or religious themes, sometimes with humor. Iconic cartoonists like R. K. Laxman and Mario Miranda captivated readers with their wit and insight in publications like The Times of India and The Economic Times.
Is there a future in this field?
Specialists in Fine Arts can work as freelancers or be employed by TV and film studios or newspapers. They may also teach art in educational institutions. Commercial artists, on the other hand, have job opportunities in art studios, advertising agencies, publishing houses, and commercial establishments. Many commercial artists work as freelancers, designing a variety of items for advertising agencies, fashion houses, magazine covers, and more.
Where to Begin?
In Goa:
After completing 10+2, students can apply to The Art College in Panaji by passing their Aptitude Test.
Outside Goa:
• Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art, Mumbai
• University of Bombay, Fort, Mumbai
• Faculty of Fine Arts, MS University of Baroda, Baroda
• Kala Bhavan, Visva-Bharati, Shantiniketan
• Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi
• College of Art, New Delhi
Cartoonist Program (Correspondence Programs)
• Raye Burns School: Course in Cartoon, F-37, Naraina Vihar, New Delhi 110028.
• Santhaan’s Chitra Vidyalayam: Course in Cartoon, C/o Chitra Kulan, 179 Singanna Chetty St, Chintadripet, Chennai 600002.
Employment avenues:
The advertising industry, especially on TV, is booming. As a result, graphic artists, photographers, and copywriters are in high demand.
Money:
The art world offers substantial financial rewards, with paintings by artists like Husain and Souza selling for millions of dollars. Those who can tap into the zeitgeist and create something topical and resonant can make significant money in this field, with the added benefit of high-paying opportunities.
Don’t settle for just a degree or diploma — enhance your CV by completing online learning programs with certification in areas relevant to your chosen career. This will significantly improve your employment prospects compared to holding only a basic qualification. Additionally, consider boosting your confidence by enrolling in public speaking courses, such as those offered by Toastmasters International.
For government job opportunities, please check: www.employment-newspaper.com
page updated: August 2024