Registros de um cronista visual : tradição e preservacionismo na obra de Octo Marques (1930-1988)

Abstract

This study assesses the visual and literary thinking of Octo Marques (1915-1988) and through it explores its regard for tradition in the city of Goiás and its relationship to antimudancismo, economic modernization, and modern art from the 1930s to the 1950s. It highlights the status of Marques’ production within the art community, the various interpretations surrounding his life and work, as well as the process underlying his literary and visual constructions. Moreover, it examines the hypothesis of Marques’ exclusion from the then hegemonic group which grew from the city of Goiás’ arts and traditions organization [Organização Vilaboense de Artes e Tradições – OVAT], as well as his non- conformity to the establishment of a self-proclaiming modern art from the 1940s onwards, a period marked by the construction of Goiânia and the transfer of Goiás state’s capital; Marques’ posthumous recognition is also addressed. Marques’ body of work is confronted with the artistic and historiographic movements that interpret and (de)value it and certain characteristics of his visual thinking are brought to the fore, such as the exaltation of tradition and preservationism, and even the strong presence of social issues in the urban landscapes and rural themes he portrays. In addition, this study assesses Marques’ relation with historical time and the way he articulates past, present, and the horizon of expectations in his work.