Emanoel Araujo

Emanoel Araujo, Bahian artist, was born into a traditional family of goldsmiths, learned carpentry, linotype and studied graphic composition at the Official Press in Santo Amaro da Purificação. In 1959 he held his first solo exhibition still in his hometown. He moved to Salvador in the 1960s and entered the School of Fine Arts of Bahia (UFBA), where he studied engraving.

He was awarded a gold medal at the 3rd Graphic Biennial of Florence, Italy, in 1972. The following year he received the award from the São Paulo Association of Art Critics (APCA) for best engraver, and in 1983 for best sculptor. He was director of the Art Museum of Bahia (1981-1983). He taught graphic arts and sculpture at the Arts College at The City University of New York (1988).

He has exhibited in several galleries and national and international shows, totalling around 50 individual exhibitions and more than 150 collective exhibitions. He was director of the Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo (1992-2002) and founder of the Museu Afro Brasil (2004), where he is Curatorial Director. In 2005, he was Municipal Secretary of Culture.
In 2007 he was honoured by the Tomie Ohtake Institute with the exhibition Autobiografia do Gesto, which brought together works from 45 years of his career.

Por: Sala Rússia