Art world mourns the passing of two greats
Manuel Cargaleiro and Fausto Bordalo Dias were two towering figures in the Portuguese art world in the last 50 years
The Portuguese art world is mourning the loss of two leading artists: painter and ceramist Manuel Cargaleiro (“Cargaleiro”) and singer-songwriter Fausto Bordalo Dias (“Fausto”).
Cargaleiro died on Sunday, aged 97, in Paris, where had been living in Paris since 1957.
The news was confirmed by the Presidency of the Republic in a note of condolence for the death of the "draughtsman, engraver and sculptor", who left "his signature on churches, gardens or metro stations, and on countless pieces".
Speaking to the Lusa news agency, his wife, Isabel Brito da Mana, said that Manuel Cargaleiro “died peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones. He fell asleep”. The government decreed national mourning for the day of Cargaleiro's funeral.
Fausto died on Tuesday, aged 75, in Lisbon.
“Fausto Bordalo Dias died this evening at his home from a long illness,” said the representative of the agency Ao Sul do Mundo.
Cargaleiro
Manuel Cargaleiro was born on March 16, 1927 in Vila Velha de Ródão, Castelo Branco district. His work was strongly inspired by traditional Portuguese tiles, the “azulejos.”
He began his artistic journey in the 1940s, initially focusing on ceramics before expanding into painting. Cargaleiro was celebrated for his vibrant, abstract works, often characterized by intricate geometric patterns and a vivid color palette.
His contributions to the art world have earned him international acclaim, with exhibitions and public artworks displayed worldwide. In the 1980s he began to explore tapestry.
In recognition of his cultural impact, Cargaleiro received numerous awards, including the prestigious Ordem do Infante D. Henrique. He received, in Paris, in 2019, the Medal of Cultural Merit from the Portuguese Government and the Grand Vermeil Medal, the highest decoration in the French capital, where he lived much of his life.
In 1995, the Lisbon metro offered a set of tile panels by him to the Paris Metro Authority, in return for the gift of the replica of the station model by the industrial designer Hector Guimard (1867-1942), a great name in Art Noveau from 1889 to 1900.
The panels were eventually mounted at the Champs Elysées-Clémenceau metro station, with new works originally designed by him, including the “Paris-Lisbonne” tile panel.
His legacy is preserved through the Manuel Cargaleiro Foundation and Museum, in his native Castelo Branco, and also, in Seixal (Setúbal), the Manuel Cargaleiro Arts Workshop.
Fausto
Fausto Bordalo Dias, born on November 26, 1948, in Vila Franca das Naves, Portugal, was widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in the Portuguese folk and traditional music scene.
Fausto’s musical journey began in the late 1960s, amidst the political and cultural upheavals that were sweeping Portugal.
He gained prominence in the 1970s with his unique blend of folk, fado, and traditional Portuguese music, infused with socially and politically conscious lyrics.
His early works, such as the album "P'ro Que Der e Vier," showcased his ability to combine traditional sounds with contemporary themes, resonating deeply with audiences during the final years of the Estado Novo regime and the Carnation Revolution.
Fausto’s magnum opus, “Por Este Rio Acima” (1982), is considered one of the greatest Portuguese albums of all time. This concept album draws on the voyages of Portuguese explorers, creating a rich tapestry of history, poetry, and music. Subsequent works, like "Crónicas da Terra Ardente" and "Em Busca das Montanhas Azuis," further cemented his reputation as a master storyteller and musician.
Throughout his career, Fausto was celebrated for his deep, evocative voice and his skillful guitar work. His contributions to Portuguese music have earned him numerous accolades and a devoted following.
Even today, Fausto Bordalo Dias continues to inspire new generations of musicians and remains a pivotal figure in preserving and evolving Portugal's musical heritage.