mundo paralelo

I first met Joao in Cremona for the Tapirulan’s exhibition of illustrators. It was around one year ago.
We invited him to come Cremona because he won the first prize in Tapirulan’s contest for illustrators. Myself, I had the honor and pleasure to be the one to inform him of such nice piece of news. Although he lived quite far, Joao was very excited to come to Italy in order to take the prize personally.
When we left, he invited me to come to Portugal.
“I will go”, I said.
Actually I kept my word. During September this year I spent a one week holiday in Portugal with Sara. Joao invited me to his new exhibition in Cascais, close to Lisbon. We made a short detour and joined to the vernissage inaugurating the exhibition.
I believe Joao is an extraordinary artist and I love su much his work (you can take a look at his website here). Each of his illustrations tell a story. Funny, sad, astounding, tragic or comic. Like mankind is. Look at Joao’s little people. They always find themselves in some strange kind of trouble. Half curious, half astonished, but never scared.
“They are like me”, said Joao. “They watch the world with my own eyes”.
I don’t know how many people who read this blog live close to Cascais. I believe very few. But if any of you eventually pass there, don’t miss Joao’s exhibition.
Thanks, Joao, for your kind hospitality.
See you soon.