Dominguez Alvarez

Joseph Dominguez Alvarez was born in the city of Porto, Portugal, in 1906, son of Galician parents. His life was short, but his impact on the Portuguese art scene of the 20th century was profound. From an early age, he demonstrated an inclination towards art, and during his formative years, he stood out as one of the main members of the modernist group + Além.
Influenced by the arid landscapes of northern Spain, which he had the opportunity to discover during a trip, and inspired by the lessons of great Spanish masters, such as El Greco, Dominguez Alvarez developed a unique approach to painting. His work is notable for its use of intense colors and bold graphics, which make him stand out as a pioneer in the Portuguese art scene.
In 1929, Dominguez Alvarez participated in the emblematic exhibition of the + Além group, where he played a fundamental role in promoting avant-garde modernity in the visual arts in Portugal. This exhibition marked a moment of recognition and support for his work. His work was praised not only by his groupmates, who considered him superior, but also by influential intellectuals of the time, such as Alberto de Serpa, Miguel Torga, and José Régio.
The first works of Dominguez Alvarez are known as the "red phase" (1926-1929), characterized by the use of bright colors and urban themes, such as Porto's landscapes and popular neighborhoods. However, his work evolved considerably after a trip to Spain, where he had the opportunity to study works by contemporary Spanish painters, such as José Gutiérrez Solana, Ignacio Zuloaga, Darío de Regoyos y Valdés and Aureliano de Beruete y Moret. This experience transformed his artistic approach, leading him to explore darker and more enigmatic themes.
During this period, Dominguez Alvarez expressed a deep interest in establishing an artistic link between Galicia and the north of Portugal, an ambition that, unfortunately, did not materialize due to several unfavorable circumstances.
His third and final phase (1937-1942) was marked by disillusionment and more conventional artistic commitments. During this period, he renounced his specific vision of reality and moved towards a more traditional style, painting landscapes around Porto.
Joseph's life Dominguez Alvarez It was tragically short, due to the tuberculosis that affected him from a young age, as well as the personal and political disappointments of the time. However, his artistic legacy endures, and his contribution to the modernity of Portuguese art is undeniable. His work continues to be studied and appreciated, and Dominguez Alvarez He is remembered as one of the pioneers of modernism in the visual arts in Portugal.
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