The Life, Legacy, and Raw Materials of José Teixeira’s Art

Designed by Diogo Brito

Percurso (Path) serves as a comprehensive catalogue raisonné of visual artist José Teixeira’s body of work, while also unfolding the story of his life’s mission, Arte da Terra, which he began alongside his life partner in northern Portugal during the 1990s. Crafted and developed over the course of four years, this book represents a seamless blend of design, storytelling, and visual introspection, deeply resonant with Teixeira’s life and creative path.

Teixeira’s work often draws on raw, elemental materials—terracotta, earthenware, and iron being his staples. His artistic essence, marked by sensitivity, fragility, a deep connection to nature, and refined craftsmanship, is meticulously woven into the book’s design. Diogo, the designer, aimed to reflect these qualities by opting for unrefined, bare construction: exposed binding, matte, minimally treated materials, and a unique feature—the figure of Teixeira’s signature "average person" embedded within a niche on the cover. This figure not only captures Teixeira’s artistic philosophy but also invites readers to engage with the authenticity and profound significance of his work.

Diogo Brito is an independent multidisciplinary designer, web developer, and visual artist whose work spans a wide range of creative fields. He partners with clients from various industries, engaging in projects that include fashion, graphic design, editorial work, videography, and both visual and performing arts. In addition to his freelance work, Diogo is the co-founder of Stand Project, an innovative art collective based in Lisbon, launched in 2020 to foster collaborative and experimental artistic endeavors.

The Life, Legacy, and Raw Materials of José Teixeira’s Art

Percurso (Path) serves as a comprehensive catalogue raisonné of visual artist José Teixeira’s body of work, while also unfolding the story of his life’s mission, Arte da Terra, which he began alongside his life partner in northern Portugal during the 1990s. Crafted and developed over the course of four years, this book represents a seamless blend of design, storytelling, and visual introspection, deeply resonant with Teixeira’s life and creative path.

Teixeira’s work often draws on raw, elemental materials—terracotta, earthenware, and iron being his staples. His artistic essence, marked by sensitivity, fragility, a deep connection to nature, and refined craftsmanship, is meticulously woven into the book’s design. Diogo, the designer, aimed to reflect these qualities by opting for unrefined, bare construction: exposed binding, matte, minimally treated materials, and a unique feature—the figure of Teixeira’s signature "average person" embedded within a niche on the cover. This figure not only captures Teixeira’s artistic philosophy but also invites readers to engage with the authenticity and profound significance of his work.

Diogo Brito is an independent multidisciplinary designer, web developer, and visual artist whose work spans a wide range of creative fields. He partners with clients from various industries, engaging in projects that include fashion, graphic design, editorial work, videography, and both visual and performing arts. In addition to his freelance work, Diogo is the co-founder of Stand Project, an innovative art collective based in Lisbon, launched in 2020 to foster collaborative and experimental artistic endeavors.