Djanira

Djanira da Motta e Silva (20 June 1914, in Avaré – 31 May 1979, in Rio de Janeiro) was a Brazilian painter, illustrator and engraver, known by her first name Djanira. She was known for her naïve art paintings, depicting Brazilian common people, religious themes and landscapes. Initially called "primitive", her work has gradually achieved greater critical acclaim. As pointed out by the art critic Mário Pedrosa (1900-1981), Djanira is an artist who does not improvise and, although they have a naive and instinctive appearance, her works are the result of careful preparation.