LOT of 3 Folk Woodcut Art by Outsider Artist J BORGES

Jose Francisco Borges (1935-) is a world-renowned folk artist and poet of humble origins. Born into the poverty of the Brazilian countryside he attended only 10 months of school in his youth. His days were spent laboring in the fields and weaving baskets. At night he taught himself to read and developed his woodcutting skills through trial and error. To supplement his income he began to publish folhetos or literatura do cordel; tiny chapbooks of narrative verse. The covers of these chapbooks were illustrated with small black and white woodcuts. In the 1970’s Mr. Borges experimented with larger blocks and colored inks. Although the large woodcuts quickly became popular with tourists, educated and upper class Brazilians were slow to embrace them. This is often the case with folk art. Today native Brazilians across the social strata recognize these woodcuts as a proud expression of their vibrant culture.

Since the 1970’s Mr. Borges woodcuts have been exhibited many prestigious galleries and museums. UNESCO has honored Mr. Borges with awards for his contributions to world culture. He was also commissioned to illustrate the cover of the United Nations 2002 calendar. A body of Mr. Borges work is held in the United States Library of Congress.

Despite his success Mr. Borges lives a simple life. Although he has written hundreds of narrative poems and created thousands of beautiful artworks he does not like to be referred to as either an artist or author. He still works very hard, carving the blocks and pressing the prints by hand.

-Shawn Corbett, copyright 2009.

For more information on Jose Francisco Borges, literatura do cordel and Brazilian woodcut the following resources are recommended:

Penteado, Jose’ Octavio. A Arte de J. Borges Do Cordel A’ Xilogravura. Central Cultural Banco Do Brasil, no date.

Rohter, Larry. “”From Brazil’s Backlands, A master of Folk Art Tradition.” New York Times 27 March 2002.

Rohter, Larry. “The Traveling Troubadors of Brazil’s Backlands.” New York times 14 June 2005.

Weinstein, Joel. “”Brazil’s Printmaker-Poet.” Austin American Statesman 23 July: E7.