Ferjo biography books

Inspired by classical and contemporary art, Ferjo has developed a worldwide reputation for his dynamic, dreamlike compositions. As an artist, Ferjo has explored subjects ranging from realism to surrealism, and his artwork frequently alludes to legendary artists like Leonardo Da Vinci, Pablo Picasso, Rene Magritte, and others. His popular Surrealist paintings of fantastical and intricate interior spaces often feature homages to his artistic inspirations hanging on the walls.

Personal History

Fernando de Jesus Oliveira—now known affectionately to all as Ferjo—was born in 1946 in Salvador, Brazil. His father was a barbershop owner, and his mother tended to their family of five sons and two daughters.

His parents had their hands full supporting and caring for their seven children, and Ferjo had to learn at an early age how entertain himself. While his brothers spent many hours kicking soccer balls in the streets, Ferjo found that his interests lay elsewhere. Soon he was drawing with crayons and paper and, amazingly, by the age of 8, Ferjo knew that his destiny was to be an artist.

His hometown of Salvador, the capital of Brazil’s northern province of Bahia (the “Bay”), was founded in 1546 by the Portuguese. Its population reflects a rich mix of heritage generated by the forces of history and includes Native American, African, and Europe genealogy. In a city blessed with a diverse tapestry of architecture, art, cuisine, and music, Ferjo’s young artistic impulses found fertile ground upon which to grow.

Coming from a working-class family, Ferjo did not enjoy the privileges of upper-class children. Art school and instruction were beyond the modest means of his parents. Thus, he had to draw from gifts within himself to develop as an artist. This self-reliance saw him through much of his early life. His art became both his devotion and his refuge.

Reaching his early 20s, Ferjo, l

The painting by Ferjo is oil on canvas measures 72″hx60″w. It is titled Contemporary Mona and dated 1980. The painting is part of the Farhat Art Museum in the Latin American collection.

Born Fernando de Jesus Oliveira, in Bahia Brazil, in 1946 – Ferjo is one of the most dynamic and intriguing artists on the contemporary international scene. His surreal, even metaphysical way with a canvas has been earlier lauded with Ferjo winning the prestigious Crescent Scholarship at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and the New York Council for the Arts Award for Excellence in portraiture and interiors. Ferjo’s signature style continues to excite our imagination and perception.

From 1974 – 1979, Ferjo trained at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts – an institution long-recognized for its tradition in realist painting and sculpture. During this five year period, he began painting cubist-style landscapes in the tradition of the early Georges Braques, eventually moving to realist portraiture. This is perhaps best exemplified in a mock group portrait (1978-79) of the faculty of the Pennsylvania Academy in which the artist posed his subjects in sitting positions those of Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Last Supper”.

Having received special honors on two occasions from the Pennsylvania Academy (in 1978, and again in 1979), Ferjo’s mastery of the medium and subject matter in realist painting became widely recognized in galleries that emphasized this kind of work. Since leaving The Academy, the artist’s technical virtuosity led him to explore various themes and styles, ranging from realism to surrealism. His wildly lyrical interpretations of famous artistic motifs, such as the works by Leonardo Da Vinca, or his “homage” series to important historical figures such as Picasso, Van Gogh and Chagall have made Ferjo an artist of merit.

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                                                 ABOUT THE MAESTRO FERJO

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Where Dream Meets Reality Surrealist artist Ferjo creates a whimsical world of contradictions. By Holly Jackson ABN Editorial Assistant  A fish and strawberry adorn the canvas to represent life; a butterfly is suspended in the air to represent freedom. And such is the multifaceted work of Brazilian-born artist Ferjo, whose art—created in his signature Surrealist style—make up a body of work as diverse as the items floating in his artwork. “A teacher at my school told me I had something that nobody had—this ability to paint portraits and landscapes,” the artist says. “It’s more difficult because there are millions of artists who paint classically. That’s why I paint ‘dream and reality.’ There’s almost a classical theme, and at the same time, it’s a dream when you look at it.”  Born Fernando de Jesus Oliveira, Ferjo was raised in São Paulo, Brazil, where his artistic skills were recognized early on. In 1974, the young artist was invited to attend the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts on an exchange program after being commissioned to produce a portrait of an American family. The artist considers his time in school beneficial but believes true artistic talent comes from within. “No school can make a musician or an artist,” he says. “… I have is a gift given by God. But the school gave me a lot of experience and skill to face the world today.” After graduation, Ferjo toured Europe, and by the 1980s, he had established a distinct style—and fallen in love with a woman Leonardo Da Vinci may have loved as well. “I have a fascination for Mona Lisa, a