In 2019, Clear Light made its debut at The Private Museum in Singapore, where it captivated audiences with its powerful interplay of light, shadow, and negative space. Now, this remarkable collection returns to Ian de Souza's hometown of Fremantle, Western Australia, marking an emotional homecoming for both the artist and his work.
This exhibition not only celebrates de Souza's artistic evolution but also his deep connection to the places that have shaped his identity and practice, Singapore the land of his origin and Fremantle the home of his arts practice. Clear Light offers local audiences the opportunity to experience this transformative body of work celebrating human form and light that have long inspired the artist.
Clear Light is a deeply personal and meditative exploration of contrasts. Coloured marks interplay with the stillness of white paper, and dark tones meet light in a poetic dialogue that emphasises the duality of life. These works demonstrate de Souza's mastery of negative space, offering his audience the opportunity to pause, reflect, and experience a sense of clarity.
Clear Light is a culmination of the life of the artist who has surrendered his art to a vision of light. He offers us his gift of mirroring and we find ourselves reflected in the work.
"When all is said and done, this remains: that nothing else exists but light – life, nothing else... You can discard the gods sometimes, but the rituals of worship do not go away easily. Instead they are the rituals of the artist"
George Seferis
Ian de Souza's career spans decades of artistic innovation, making him one of Western Australia's most distinctive artistic voices. From his early work capturing external landscapes to this new introspective collection, his practice reflects a continuous journey of transformation and discovery.
Proudly supported by the City of Fremantle.
The Private Museum
The Private Museum is a non-profit private museum in Singapore founded by Singaporean philanthropist, art collector and real estate developer, Daniel Teo, together with his daughter Rachel Teo in 2010.
Fuelled by passionate patronage for the arts, the museum aims to be an alternative platform to bridge the gap between the private and the public. It supports the exchange of ideas across cultures, educational initiatives, artistic and curatorial collaborations with collectors and practitioners of the arts.
With a vision to promote art appreciation, the independent arts space engages local, regional and international audiences from all walks of life.
Special acknowledgement to Natalie Foo and Jan Kapetas.