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Ceará’s charm starts with its geography. Beautiful beaches with colourful cliffs, arid countryside full of mystery and green mountains in the middle of the desert landscape. The people are of mixed ethnicity and never hide their roots. All year round pilgrims can be found in the Cariri area around Juazeiro do Norte, a sanctuary town that features a 17 metre high statue of Father Cícero, a priest who is considered to be a saint. In the same area is the Master Noza Centre for Popular Culture, which houses the Father Cícero Association of Craft Artists, which even in its name asks for the protection of the town’s patron.
Juazeiro do Norte has revealed important artists such as Nino (1920 - 2002) to the world. He started sculpting out of need, and was a great encourager of local popular art, flying Ceará’s flag around Brazil and abroad.
Nino was illiterate, but his work can be found today in museums, galleries and private collections all over the world. There are many craft artists in this state, and we hope the few that are featured here represent them all. |
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