The first time I came upon Chico's work a few years ago, the market for his work was, how would you say, tepid at best. This was expected, of course. As an illiterate, indigenous artist nearly four decades deceased (and all but lost to the known world), one could find his work in second-rate galleries for a few thousand dollars. As much as I admired his story, the brilliance of his work and imagination, and his founding of the Pirambu School, others didn't seem to garner the same appreciation.
But the art world is fickle. Take a series of Brazilian exhibitions and museum showings, sprinkle in a few well placed articles, a David Kordansky show in the Big Apple, and a few amazing auction results, and presto!––a market blooms out of thin air. The same works you could snatch up for a few thousand skyrocketed to $35,000, $45,000 ... $60,000! A 47 x 80" work entitled Serpente da Luminosa (Luminous Snake) garnered $330,200 at auction (Sotherby's, Nov 2023) .
So you might ask how much of Chico's recent popularity is an artist finally getting his due versus the Art Snakes sinking their fangs into Chico legacy for a quick bite?
I'd wager a little bit of both.
First, certain creators of art transcend time, leaving their indelible mark on the canvas. Chico da Silva is such an artist. He emerged onto the artistic scene in the mid-20th century, drawing inspiration from the rich cultural tapestry of Brazil. His distinctive style is a harmonious blend of vivid colors, dynamic compositions, and a profound connection to the country's diverse traditions. Da Silva's ability to capture the essence of Brazil's within the creatures that populated his imagination his sublime. And––Chico was decades ahead of Warhol in creating his own school of proteges!
So as Chico da Silva's notoriety expands beyond the horizons of South America, leaving the rest of the world to catch up, I don't question the legitimacy of this.
Yet, money-hungry gallery owners and New York's vipers will still take their bite. That is what they do. Oftentimes they destroy careers of young artists by pumping up their careers too early, having them burst into flames. With Chico having left the world 40 years ago, his legacy is safe. And I believe his market is here to stay. And our vipers?–– Well, ironically, they are serving to elevate Chico into his rightful place. After all these years, perhaps it is they who are giving the Brazil's Artful Peasant his final justice.
This is just the beginning of Chico's ascension, his enduring legacy.
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