Fim da tarde (1994) Painting by Onofre Manata

Onofre Fernando de Jesus Batista Manata stands as a contemporary Portuguese painter whose artistic narrative unfolds within a unique lineage of contemporary painting. In his creative pursuit, Onofre Manata diverges from the intention of representing specific cities or urban landscapes. Instead, he harnesses the imagery of the all-encompassing and all-forming city as the predominant visual material for his work, employing it to generate new layers of meaning.

Manata's paintings unfold with expansive spatial perspectives, intricately woven through complex intersections that extend beyond mere linear elements. His art not only weaves together intricate linearities but also delicate chromatic nuances. These compositions, while suggestive of urban spaces, transcend a literal representation, delving into the very fabric of the imaginary realms spawned by the city. It becomes, in his hands, an unrelenting plot—a web of interconnections that engage the senses. At times, his work can be likened to a visual prison's window-bar, offering itself to our gaze as a means to rouse us from the slumber induced by the comfort of urban imagination.

Onofre Manata's artistic language challenges conventional interpretations, inviting viewers to navigate the intricate tapestry of his creations and prompting a reconsideration of the nuanced relationship between urban environments and the realms of imagination they inspire.

• Nationality: PORTUGAL
• Date of birth : 1953
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary Portuguese Artists