José Francisco Borges

Born in 1935 in Bezerros and dying in 2024 in the same city, José Francisco Borges, known as J. Borges, was a Brazilian artist and poet, specializing in xylography and the production of folhetos (cordel literature). He began his career as a farmer before turning to Brazilian folk art. He made a name for himself in the 1960s with his work as a wood engraver and illustrator of "cordel", popular poetry booklets sold in the markets of northeastern Brazil. His works are marked by simple yet powerful narrative scenes, inspired by folklore, religion and everyday life. His work, initially intended to illustrate cordel booklets, was soon recognized as an artistic expression in its own right. José Francisco Borges has exhibited in prestigious museums, such as the Louvre, as part of exhibitions on folk art, and has taken part in numerous international biennials, including the Sao Paulo Biennial.