Negreiros, our ever-present

River - I met Negreiros at the 'Jornal da Tarde'. I was a fan of the Mesquita family's afternoon paper. I read it every day. The 'JT' - as it was affectionately called by its readers - was a cheerful, ironic, and fun newspaper. It had the humor that was lacking in 'Folha de São Paulo' and 'Jornal do Brasil', two other newspapers that I read daily.

The Mesquita family's JT column in 'O Estado de S. Paulo' was conceived and designed by Mino Carta – with the assistance of Murilo Felisberto. 'Jornal da Tarde' was one of the Brazilian newspapers that embraced the American New Journalism school of Gay Talese and Truman Capote. My first readings were the texts of Carlos Brickmann, illustrated by Negreiros, the 'Divirta-se' supplement, and the comic strips.

Negreiros was known for his 'dirty' style and intelligent, creative humor. His style was similar to that of the French cartoonist Sempé. Lots of black and white, lots of gray, and lots of scratches. 

Roberto Negreiros was born in São Paulo in 1955. A cartoonist and illustrator, he had his first paid job as a draftsman in childhood, at the age of 6.

He trained in visual production, fine arts, and journalism. He worked as an illustrator for the newspaper 'Jornal da Tarde', the magazines 'Piaui', 'Veja', 'Ilustrar', 'Playboy', and 'Cripta', a horror magazine published by Ota. He also worked for the publishers 'Três' and 'Abril' and illustrated several books.

Negreiros could be just as funny, or even funnier, in person than the characters he drew. He greeted everyone who came to the 'Jornal da Tarde' newsroom with great humor and affection. Depending on the level of friendship, the visitor would even leave the JT with an original artwork signed by the cartoonist.

He wrote and illustrated, along with fellow illustrators Ale Kalko and Orlando Pedroso, the book "Com a Palavra, Os Ilustradores" (With the Word, The Illustrators). An original project that brought together three books by these talented illustrators in a box set. In the work – published by 'Mandacaru', edited by Bebel Abreu and André Valente – the authors drew on their memories – and rescued with illustrations – stories from their childhood, adolescence, the beginning of their careers, and exciting and hilarious anecdotes. 

According to cartoonist José Alberto Lovetro, JAL - president of the Brazilian Cartoonists Association, "Negreiros drew like a sculptor, carving his work with light and agile strokes."

One of the country's greatest designers and graphic artists, Negreiros was also passionate about music, especially the jazz instrumentalists of the 20s. An occasional musician, he even had a certain familiarity with the ukulele.

Negreiros' art, a blend of drawing and poetry, has been orphaned by its creator, but fans of the cartoonist can still acquire an original piece. His work is for sale for R$150 (including postage) in various formats. Those interested should contact the artist via inbox on his Facebook page.

The artist died this Wednesday (22), in São Paulo, victim of a heart attack. Negreiros was married to Anderson Barros.