Clóvis Graciano

Clóvis Graciano (January 29, 1907 – June 29, 1988) was a Brazilian artist who worked with painting, drawing, scenography, costume design, engraving and illustration.

Early life

Graciano was born in Araras.

Career

In 1927 he was hired by the Estrada de Ferro Sorocabana (or "Sorocabana Railroad", currently

América Latina Logística), in Conchas

, São Paulo state, where he painted poles, signboards and warnings for the railroad stations.

In 1934 he moved to São Paulo to work as a clerk. From then, he divided his time between art and his job. After ten years, he was fired for excessive absences.

In 1937, having encountered the art of Alfredo Volpi, Clóvis Graciano took his place in the Palacete Santa Helena, becoming part of the Grupo Santa Helena, together with Francisco Rebolo, Mario Zanini, Aldo Bonadei, Fulvio Pennacchi and others, besides Volpi.

Graciano befriended

Avenida Paulista, and in Diário Popular

's building.

In 1971, he worked as director of

São Paulo State Pinacotheca

, and as president of the São Paulo's State Board for Visual Arts, and of the São Paulo's State Council for Culture.

Besides painting, Graciano worked in several different activities in parallel, teaching scenography in EAD (USP's drama school), and illustration newspapers, magazines and books, particularly in the 1980s.

Throughout his career, Graciano was faithful to

dancers. He died in São Paulo

, aged 81.

His works are held by museums and private collections in Brazil and abroad.