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Chico Tabibuia

(1936 - 2007)

Born in the Brazilian countryside, Chico Tabibuia (1936 - 2007) was the nickname of Francisco Moraes da Silva, a self-taught Afro-Portuguese carver, descended from a complex lineage of slaves and owners.

Working with wood from the trumpet tree (or tabibuia), the artist found influence in the ancient Afro-Brazilian religion of Umbanda, which he embraced alongside his Pentecostal Christian belief. The resultant structures were figurative representations of the deities of myth, indigenous beings known as Exus, associated with sexuality, fertility and strength, proclaiming an impressive and divine erotic.

In his lifetime, Tabibuia’s monumental carvings were acclaimed across Brazil and beyond. Exhibitions included the São Paulo Biennale (2000), and more recently, Museu de Arte Moderna, Rio de Janeiro (2022) and Art Basel Paris (2024). Collections include Museu Afro Brasil and Museu de Arte de São Paulo.