Totonho

António Araújo Pereira, known artistically as Totonho, was born on October 14, 1958, at Fazenda Pedras, in the municipality of Conceição da Feira, Bahia – Brazil. As a boy, he earned the nickname "Totonho", which stayed with him throughout his life and became his signature in the world of visual arts.

Self-taught, Totonho moved to Salvador in 1974, where he began his career as a visual artist. His style is classified as primitive or naïve painting, characterized by refined technical mastery and a vibrant palette. His works have as central themes ecology, rural daily life and the simple habits of the populations of the interior of Brazil.

He gained national prominence when he won the silver medal at the IV Prisciliano Silva National Visual Arts Salon, in São Paulo. From then on, his career was consolidated with several awards and participation in art salons. In 1986, he was once again awarded a silver medal at the Genaro de Carvalho Salon and a gold medal at the Presciliano Silva Salon.

In 1987, he participated in the 1st Latin American Festival of Art and Culture, promoted by the University of Brasília. The following year, he was invited by the Spanish painter Henrique Viches to exhibit in Spain, where he made his first international trip and stayed for a year, presenting his works in several Spanish cities.

Since then, Totonho has exhibited in several countries, including Portugal, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Switzerland, the United States, as well as several Brazilian cities. His work is constantly praised by critics, both for its artistic expressiveness and for its commitment to environmental and cultural issues.