Véio

Cicero Alves dos Santos, known as Véio, was born in 1947 in Nossa Senhora da Glória, Sergipe, Brazil. Self-taught and deeply connected to the folklore of the sertão, Véio’s nickname reflects his affinity for listening to the stories of elders. This fascination with the legends and traditions of the Brazilian backlands shapes his work and his worldview. In Feira Nova, Véio founded the Sítio Soarte, also known as the Museum of the Sertão, which houses around 17,000 works that narrate the life and culture of the sertanejo.

Véio’s artistic journey began in his youth with small beeswax sculptures, which he later abandoned in favor of wood. Committed to environmental preservation, Véio uses fallen logs, refusing to cut down trees. His dedication to art was met with skepticism by family and acquaintances, as he chose an austere and independent life, never compromising his artistic vision for survival.

In 2017, Véio was honored with the Itaú Cultural 30 Years Award, recognizing his significant impact on Brazilian cultural heritage. His works, divided between large, colorful pieces and smaller, more discreet sculptures, delve into the imaginary world of the sertão, transcending traditional folk art. Critics highlight his vibrant, industrially painted figures, which create a pop effect that distinguishes his work from typical folk art.

Véio’s sculptures, expressive and vibrant, are displayed in the open at the Museum of the Sertão, as if they were living inhabitants of the space. The larger works, carved from “open trunks,” draw inspiration from the natural forms of the wood, while the smaller ones, from “closed woods,” capture scenes from everyday life, legends, and characters from Northeastern folklore. Véio is celebrated for his ability to blend reality and imagination, preserving the rich oral traditions and popular culture of his homeland.

Sources:
Photo: http://artepopularbrasil.blogspot.com.br/2012/11/veio.html
Text: Blombô research and curation, with the support of artificial intelligence for content writing and structuring.