Antonio Batista de Souza, known as Antonio Poteiro, was a Portuguese-born Brazilian sculptor, painter and ceramist. Born on October 10, 1925, in Santa Cristina de Pousa (Portugal), he immigrated to Minas Gerais, in Brazil, with his family when he was one year old. As his father and grand-father were potters, he continued the family tradition and began as a ceramist, making utilitarian objects, masks and puppets, which were sold on the market. He settled permanently in Goiânia (Brazil) where he remained for the rest of his life. In 1957, Regina Lacerda – a folklore specialist – suggested he adopt the name of Antonio “Poteiro”, meaning “potter”, and also advised him to sign his works. Encouraged by Siron France and Cleber Gouvea, he started painting in 1972, at the age of 47. Poteiro’s works reflect folk tales or Biblical themes, but also current events and racism. Over time, his works became very elaborate, a mastery of technique and composition revealing a fantastic, colourful imagination. His naïve style creations represent a mixture of dream and folklore, yet through his themes, Poteiro also asserted himself as a contemporary artist depicting the society in which he lives. Since 1976, Poteiro has participated in numerous exhibitions, both in his country and abroad. He is considered as one of the masters of primitive painting in Brazil and is one of the most renowned Brazilian artists abroad. He passed away in Goiânia (Brazil) on June 8, 2010 at the age of 84.