Academician and art critic Janeita Singh, alongside publisher Niyogi Books, was awarded the third Oxford Bookstore Art Book Prize for their compelling work, F.N. Souza: The Archetypal Artist. The ceremony, held at the Embassy of Norway in New Delhi, honored the book from a shortlist of five titles, presenting Singh and Niyogi Books with a trophy, certificate, and a Rs 1 lakh cash prize.

Singh’s critical exploration of F.N. Souza’s life and art, described as a “dance with provocation, heresy, and beauty,” has resonated deeply with readers and institutions. Reflecting on the win, Singh stated, “To be loved is to be seen and known. That this book now lounges on hallowed shelves and is crowned by this prestigious prize in the homeland is a reward beyond measure.”

The jury, chaired by art critic Alka Pande and including Norway’s Ambassador May-Elin Stener, Priti Paul of Apeejay Surrendra Group, and Apurva Kackar of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, praised the book’s scholarly depth and production quality. Pande emphasized the prize’s role, noting, “As art becomes a collectible, documenting it through high-quality publications is essential. This award encourages artists, galleries, and publishers to preserve and disseminate cultural ideas.”

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The jury also recognized two other shortlisted titles: Raza, the Other Modern by Gayatri Sinha, Yashodhara Dalmia, and Geeti Sen (Mapin Publishing and The Raza Foundation) and A Thousand Shadows by Navin Sakhuja (Progressive Art Gallery). The award underscores the growing importance of art books in capturing India’s rich artistic legacy.

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