Lino António da Conceição (Leiria, 1898 – Lisbon, 1974), a painter representative of the second modernist generation in Portugal, completed, in Leiria, the High School course and the Ornamental Drawing course at the Domingos Sequeira Industrial School. In Lisbon, he attended the Fine Arts School, and in 1915, he went to the Oporto Fine Arts School, where he was a student of João Marques de Oliveira. In 1918, at his first solo exhibition in Leiria, his modernist technique stood out. Also in Leiria, the city of the Lis river, he was part of a round table with, among others, his old master Narciso Costa, Luís Fernandes and Américo Durão, all represented in the group self-portrait “NÓS” / “Us” (1923). The following year, he had what he considered to be his first exhibition – 1st Lino António Painting and Drawing Exhibition – at the Fine Arts National Society (SNBA), with predominant themes in his work – landscapes and people typical of the seaside as well as urban life. In 1925 and 1926, he participated, respectively, in the 1st and 2nd SNBA Autumn Salon. In the same years, the Bristol Club was renovated and some of his works were chosen for the decoration. He participated in the 1st and 2nd SNBA Independents Salon (1930 and 1931) and, in 1935, in the 1st Modern Art Exhibition and in the Year X Exhibition of Revolução Nacional. He showed his work internationally, at the Ibero-Americana Exhibition in Seville (1929) and at the Paris Colonial Exhibition (1931), for both of which he received medals of honour. In the 1930’s, he had several public orders, such as the frescos for the triumph arch and the choir veranda of the Fátima church, the panels for the President’s room at the National Assembly and the Olisipo tapestry for the Ritz Hotel. In 1940, he acted as painter-decorator at Exposição do Mundo Português and at the 1st Shop Window Exhibition. It is also important to mention the value of his educational action. He taught General Drawing at the Industrial and Commercial School of Marinha Grande and Mechanical Drawing at Machado de Castro Industrial School. In1940, he started at the António Arroio Decorative Arts School, where he eventually became director until 1968.
FMV, May 2020
