Augusto Gomes (Matosinhos, 1910 - 1976) graduated in Painting at the School of Fine Arts in Porto in 1941, where he was a student of José de Brito, Acácio Lino and Joaquim Lopes. While studying, together with some schoolmates he founded the + Além group with whom he exhibited in 1929 and 1931. Then followed a period dedicated to teaching, having taught in several schools in the country. However, in 1944 he decided to dedicate himself to his artistic career which included, in addition to painting, ceramics, stained glass, scenography, fresco painting, among other activities. In 1945 he was represented at the I Exposição de Arte Moderna dos Artistas do Norte and in 1946 at the I Exposição da Primavera, both in Porto. Also noteworthy is the participation in the II Bienal de Arte Moderna de S. Paulo in 1953. In the 1950s he conducted two study trips: the first, in 1954 to Spain and France and the second, in 1958 to Belgium. This year he resumed his educational activity, joining the School of Fine Arts in Porto where in 1962 he was appointed professor. He held this position until 1974. The first stage of hist work is marked by the naturalism, influenced by Cézanne and Van Gogh. However, in the 1940s he related with practices of neorealism, never associating with the group's ideological actions though. The favorite theme of his work is the landscapes and daily life of the people of Matosinhos, particularly women, maritime and fishing activities. In his compositions - static, dramatically staged and in sober colors that mark the monumental character, appear figures with empty looks and apathetic faces. From the 1960s the human figure is no longer a constant in his work. In a transformation that his previous work did not anticipate, he created compositions full of a symbolism that would in some cases approximate to Italian metaphysical painting and, in others, to surrealism. Within the various modalities he practiced he left a vast and significant work for northern history and culture. He was awarded with the Prémio de Pintura at the Salão dos Artistas da Metrópole in Luanda, and the Prémio Nacional da Academia Nacional de Belas Artes. Matosinhos gave the name of Master Augusto Gomes to a High School which created the Augusto Gomes National Youth Painting Prize.
FMV, October 2020
