MANUEL CARGALEIRO

Manuel Cargaleiro is an internationally acclaimed Portuguese artist, presented by HELENE BAILLY gallery, whose work seamlessly blended painting and ceramics into a unique artistic language. A master of contemporary azulejo, he left a lasting impact on modern art and ceramic mural design, distinguished by his dynamic geometric compositions and vibrant colors.

Born in 1927 in Chão das Servas, Portugal, he began his artistic journey in 1945, before abandoning his studies in natural sciences to fully dedicate himself to the arts. In 1952, he held his first solo exhibition in Lisbon and started teaching at the António Arroyo School of Decorative Arts. He became part of Lisbon’s intellectual and artistic circles, particularly the Gelo Group, alongside prominent figures of Portuguese Surrealism.

With a scholarship from the Italian government, he refined his skills as a ceramicist in Florence, Rome, and Faenza, before moving to France in 1957, where he settled permanently. Influenced by École de Paris artists such as Delaunay, Vasarely, and Klee, he developed a distinctive style, combining geometric modularity with a sophisticated chromatic palette.

Throughout his career, he created monumental works, including public commissions in France, Italy, and Portugal. Among his most notable projects were the murals at the Champs-Élysées – Clémenceau metro station in Paris (1995) and works for the Vietri Museum in Italy. He was honored with numerous distinctions, including the title of Officier des Arts et des Lettres in France and the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit in Portugal.

Committed to preserving and sharing his art, he established the Manuel Cargaleiro Foundation in Lisbon in 1990, donating a vast collection of his works. He also inaugurated several museums dedicated to his legacy, including the Manuel Cargaleiro Museum in Castelo Branco (2005, Portugal) and the Museo Artistico e Industriale Manuel Cargaleiro in Vietri sul Mare (2004, Italy), later relocated to Ravello in 2015.

He passed away on June 30, 2024, in Castelo Branco, Portugal, leaving behind a remarkable artistic legacy that continues to inspire generations.