A self-taught artist, de Souza has developed clarity of vision that takes his work beyond just a literal representation to touch on a larger truth. He is able to replicate what he sees, capture the atmosphere that exists between the subject and his canvas, and suggest his own emotive response to it all. His style allows viewers to relate to the works on multiple levels as they identify the reality, decipher a mood, and interpret the artist’s passion for his art.

In this exhibition of drawings and paintings, de Souza leaves his much-loved subjects of people and places in and around the port city of Fremantle to concentrate on developing further his figure work. His works on paper involve ink and brush drawings of the female form. These seemingly simple works are highly satisfying as they say much with a minimum of marks. With just a few bold black lines de Souza suggests the fecundity of the figure before adding a broader brush stroke in a lighter wash, like a gentle caress. These quick, confident, abbreviated drawings prove the adage that less is more.

They also provide a counterpoint to his oil and acrylic paintings that offer a plethora of information to feed the eye and engage the mind. The paintings flesh out the figure with tonal values and colours to create a visual interplay between figure and ground. We can enjoy the excitement of mark making on the surface then fall into the sense of real space and experience the mood they evoke.

And each work does create a mood even before suggesting a narrative. For example we’re drawn to The Conversations and its sense of relaxed openness as four seated nudes are arranged in a casual groupings. The energetic brushwork suggests a lively dialogue while the minimal use of colour (black, white and flesh tones) creates a sense of ease that invites us into this company of lovely ladies.

Similar hues are employed in Corroberee, however here the mood is more exciting. Strips of paper, torn from other drawings, are employed to create a vertical collage of perfect 'confusion'. Somehow de Souza has managed to capture the essence of the event including the melodious sound of the didjeridoo, the staccato click of sticks, and the stomping of feet on earth. On close inspection we discover the flash of a dancer’s hand or part of a foot.

A different mood and rhythm is suggested in We Dance where an orchestra of short quick brush marks in rich colours produce a single couple who step in tandem to a lively tune. Then there are the vibrant fire hues of Passion where two figures merge into one as they embrace. This painting has us wondering if the title refers to the picture, or the painting of it.

There is one exhibit that seems to encapsulate all the best qualities of de Souza’s drawing, paintings and passion for making art. The blue monochrome L’Ascensione has two baroque-like figures drawn with a sense of volume and lightness that allows them to float away from the restrictions of the canvas to the height of our expectations.

Ian de Souza's development of the figure is well resolved in these works and his depth of feeling for his art is obvious. In this exhibition he invites viewers to discover their own relationship with his art and to share in his passion.