José de Almada-Negreiros (1893-1970) was a seminal figure in Portuguese modernism, renowned for his multifaceted contributions as a painter, writer, and performer. Born in São Tomé e Príncipe, he moved to Lisbon at a young age, where he immersed himself in the vibrant intellectual circles of the early 20th century. Almada-Negreiros was a pivotal member of the avant-garde group "Orpheu," which revolutionized Portuguese art and literature.
His artistic journey was marked by an unrelenting quest for innovation, evident in his diverse body of work, ranging from painting and drawing to theatrical performances and literary works. Almada-Negreiros' paintings often merged geometric abstraction with figurative elements, reflecting his fascination with movement, modernity, and the human form.
In addition to his visual art, he was a prolific writer, contributing essays, poetry, and manifestos that articulated his visionary ideas. His most famous written work, "Manifesto Anti-Dantas," sharply criticized the conservative cultural establishment of his time.
Throughout his career, Almada-Negreiros exhibited widely, both in Portugal and internationally, earning acclaim for his dynamic and boundary-pushing style. His legacy endures as a cornerstone of modernist art in Portugal, influencing generations of artists with his daring creativity and intellectual rigor.