Chico da Silva Brazilian, 1910-1985

Chico da Silva (Francisco Domingos da Silva, c. 1910–1985) was a self-taught Brazilian painter of Indigenous Peruvian and Brazilian descent, renowned for his vibrant, fantastical depictions of Amazonian flora, fauna, and mythological creatures. Born in Alto Tejo, Acre, he spent his early years immersed in the Amazon rainforest before relocating to Fortaleza, Ceará, following his father's death. In the 1940s, da Silva began creating murals using charcoal and natural pigments on fishermen's cottages in Fortaleza. His work caught the attention of Swiss artist Jean-Pierre Chabloz, who introduced him to gouache and oil painting techniques and facilitated his entry into the Brazilian and European art scenes. Da Silva's art is characterized by intricate compositions featuring dragons, serpents, birds, and fish, reflecting the oral traditions and mythologies of Northern Brazil. His unique style blends elements of naïve art with modernist sensibilities, earning him critical acclaim and commercial success during his lifetime.

In 1966, he received an honorable mention at the 33rd Venice Biennale, marking a pinnacle in his international recognition . Despite facing challenges later in life, including issues of authorship and authenticity, da Silva's legacy endures. His works are held in major institutions such as the Pinacoteca de São Paulo, Tate Modern in London, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris.