O fazer arte (são) de Guilherme Augusto dos Santos Júnior: interfaces artesanato, design e arte

Abstract

This study is a view at Craftwork as an important cultural manifestation to reflect upon the relations between converging knowledges in contemporary society: Design and Art. We discuss ethnographically the craftsmanship production of Guilherme Augusto dos Santos Junior, a contemporary artisan from Pará-Brazil, and this debate is illustrated with examples of his “art(isan) making”, which shows that the boundaries between the mentioned fields are increasingly tenuous constructions. The approach was to make interviews at his home, which is also his workplace, so we could get to know his life and creative process. The theory that sustains the research derives from Cultural Studies, because it shows greater flexibility to address the interrelations between the cultures in which the craftsman is immersed, which are, therefore, the pillars of his hybrid identity. From this theoretical support we were able to discuss his creative process, one that follows a project methodology similar t o the artist and designer, but as yet has an empirical character that continues to be discriminated at academic circles. This study has been divided into three chapters: Life story of the artisan Guilherme Augusto dos Santos Junior; Paths of Creation and Crafts, Design and Art. The conclusion points out to a break in the traditional concepts of Craftwork, calling into question the validity of the hierarchical divisions assigned to the field of Art and Design.