Isabel Lhano, born in Vila do Conde, passed away in the early hours of this Sunday due to an aneurysm, as reported by her sister, Graça Martins. Celebrating 50 years of her artistic career and seven decades of life, the artist had several exhibitions scheduled until the end of the year, both in her hometown and in Póvoa de Varzim.
"It was with deep regret that I announce the death, this morning, of my sister Isabel Lhano, victim of an aneurysm", shared Graça Martins on social media, informing about the artist's death at the age of 70.
In its publication, he also expressed gratitude to the writer Valter Hugo Mãe for being his sister's friend and confidant. "Without you, her life would have been sadder," he added. Graça Martins noted that Isabel Lhano leaves us "after an exemplary artistic career, with several exhibitions underway until the end of the year, both in Póvoa de Varzim and Vila do Conde."
The celebrations of the artist's 50th anniversary began at the end of September. Five exhibitions, some in Vila do Conde and others in neighboring Póvoa de Varzim, together with a book, tell the artist's story and work. A part of this "Empire of Beauty" is still on display at Casa Antero de Quental and at the Municipal Theater of Vila do Conde. Ten days ago, Isabel Lhano published on her Facebook page what would be her last message: an image of "Desassossego" - one of the paintings in the exhibition - to break the news, she who has always lived in a "disquiet" way.
He studied Painting at the Faculty of Fine Arts of Porto, received a Gulbenkian scholarship in 1971 and 1972 and held dozens of exhibitions in Portugal and abroad. His works are part of collections in prominent institutions, such as the Museu Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, the Cerveira Contemporary Art Museum, the northern delegation of the Ministry of Culture and the Eng. António Almeida Foundation. In Vila do Conde, it is known for two murals: a tribute to Sonia Delaunay (at the entrance to EB1 Bento de Freitas) and "Seca do Bacalhau", in the old building next to the river. He also created book covers for several writers, including Valter Hugo Mãe, Rita Ferro Rodrigues and Daniel Maia Pinto.
"Artist, painter, teacher, promoter and active participant in countless cultural initiatives, she was also a woman of Freedom, a principled activist and a human being with impeccable manners. The woman and the artist were indistinguishable. In a constant spirit of justice and defense. Her art has always conveyed a message. As her friend and writer Valter Hugo Mãe wrote: 'For Isabel, art necessarily has an ethical, social commitment, and cannot be an exercise of ego"
Source: Jornal de Notícias