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In the hands of João Olíbio da Silva, straw and banana tree fibres become paint and brushes. His pictures are portraits of Florianópolis today and yesterday. Many scenes are made from memory; others are inspired by photographs seen in newspapers and magazines. “I used to work as a bricklayer, and there were many banana trees around my house. I never thought I could make anything with them, but one day I saw a hat made of the banana tree fibres. That got me thinking. If you could make a hat, you could make other things as well. And that’s how it all started.” His pictures are more beautiful and richer in detail than the lamps, boxes and other more commercial objects that João Olíbio makes with the help of his son-in-law, who takes them to fairs and markets guaranteeing earnings to support the entire family. His churches which are rich in detail, are transformed as if by magic when lit up. The weddings, mass and prayers come instantly to life. João Olíbio was born in the town of Palhoça (SC), in 1941. |
