João Artur da Silva
Presented by Perve Galeria
At the VIP lounge of the 2024 Seattle Art Fair, Perve Galeria presents a special exhibition of João Artur da Silva, curated by the gallery’s director, Carlos Cabral Nunes. This homage celebrates the 95-year-old multidisciplinary artist, born in Portugal in 1928, who also holds British and Canadian citizenship, and remains artistically active after a voluntary 30-year hiatus, since moving to British Columbia in 1991.
João Artur da Silva, the last surviving founder of the Portuguese Surrealist Movement from the 1940s, has spent the past 76 years mastering sculpture, painting, photography, and textile design. His “Da Silva” brand scarves, featured in luxury stores like Harrods, and the recognition he received from esteemed artists such as Henry Moore and Lynn Chadwick during his two-decade stay in England, attest to his widespread acclaim.
This special project showcases significant artworks from João Artur’s extraordinary career, primarily from the 1980s to the 2000s, many never or rarely publicly displayed before. Despite working on the art world’s margins for three decades, his art is now being celebrated through an international program by Perve Galeria, which started in Lisbon in early 2024 and now extends to the Seattle Art Fair. Seattle’s vibrant art scene and strategic location make it an ideal venue for this tribute. The city’s proximity to Vancouver, João Artur’s home since 1991, adds a personal touch. This exhibition honours João Artur da Silva’s legacy, celebrating his artistic achievements and ensuring he receives due recognition during his lifetime.