Walter D’Souza

Walter D’Souza studied painting and printmaking at the Faculty of Fine Arts, M. S. University (1983). Walter is also a teacher. He has taught the Basic Design program at the School of Architecture, Ahmedabad (1987-2006), Drawing and Sketching at National Institute of Fashion Technology, Gandhinagar (1998-2001) and Drawing at National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad (1998). He has also conducted several printmaking and drawing workshops at institutions across the country. His works, especially prints, have been a part of numerous shows nationally and internationally, including at the International Print Triennale in Finland (1993).

Walter D’Souza describes prints as his “take-off point from them I move on” He first became attracted to the medium on viewing metal engravings based on Durer’s, “These were strong images for me,” he remarks. When he embarked on an art career, he explored all forms: sculpture, painting, drawing, etc. He gained exposure to print-making through his brother, an avid pop art fan who would bring home posters, books, and album covers. Seeing Warhol’s soup cans and Monroes, D’Souza became interested in the possibilities of print-making, an interest that his brother encouraged. In fact, screen printing was quite popular during the 1960s and 70s. Beyond these early exposures to art, D’Souza is hesitant to name artistic influences, preferring to name his debt to his environs.