Side Table 1 by Cícero Manuela from Ilha do Ferro
Cícero Alves dos Santos is a self-taught artist from Ilha do Ferro, a renowned artisan community on the banks of the São Francisco River in northeastern Brazil. Inspired by the region’s rich cultural traditions, he creates wooden sculptures that sensitively portray the daily life, folklore, and wildlife of the Northeast. Alongside his brother, Salvinho, he left agricultural work to dedicate himself fully to art under the influence of the celebrated Mestre Fernando. While Salvinho is known for matte finishes and bold contrasts, Cícero’s work is distinguished by its luminous surfaces, vibrant colors, and sense of harmony. Recognized in Brazil and internationally, he is considered one of the leading figures of contemporary Brazilian folk art, celebrating through his work the resilience, beauty, and poetry of riverside communities.