Biu dos Anjos. Untitled. n.d.
Polychrome wood sculpture
About the artist
Gabriel Pereira Filho, better known as Mestre Biu dos Anjos, earned his nickname through his mastery in carving celestial beings in wood. With nearly forty years of career, Biu was born and raised in Petrolina, in the sertão of Pernambuco. It was there that the inspiration for his first pieces came — the carrancas, the figureheads typical of and well known in the region.
Ten years into his career he became interested in Baroque art, after attending a workshop given by Mestre Nicola in Petrolina. “He saw I was very interested because I asked a lot of questions during the class. Afterwards he came to me and said it would be good for me to follow the Baroque line.” After Nicola's advice, he immersed himself in Baroque art and never stopped.
Biu adopted a classical style for his pieces, with a more refined touch. The wood he uses is imburana de cambão, typical of the Pernambuco sertão. The delicate yet striking lines he gives his pieces are unmistakable.