Paths of Villaronga
The Cultural Wealth of the Paraíba Valley Gains a New Chapter with the Launch of the Illustrated Tourist Guide
Project by the Instituto Aupaba, supported by the Government of Catalonia, launched on November 4 at the Cazuza Cultural Center, in Vassouras
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From Catalonia to the Paraíba Valley! This is the journey of painter and decorator José Maria Villaronga, who, over a century later, is brought out of obscurity to inspire author Ana Cláudia de Paula Torem, one of Brazil’s leading experts in decorative painting. Together with the Instituto Aupaba, she retraces the paths of Villaronga, paths that also tell the story of 19th-century Brazil during the coffee boom.
The illustrated catalogue Paths of Villaronga, featuring the artist who left his decorative paintings in mansions, farms, and churches across the Paraíba Valley in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, will be launched on November 4 at 2:00 PM at the Cazuza Cultural Center, in downtown Vassouras, Rio de Janeiro. During the event, free copies of the catalogue will be distributed. For those who cannot attend, it will be available for free download on the Instituto Aupaba website.
The bilingual catalogue Paths of Villaronga, in English and Portuguese, serves as an illustrated guide to the Paraíba Valley, detailing Villaronga’s painted houses, farms, and churches across 15 municipalities in the region and delving into the artist’s life and work.
Author Ana Cláudia de Paula Torem will be present at the launch to share fascinating insights about this extraordinary artist. There will also be a photography exhibition of José Villaronga’s works in the Paraíba Valley farms and a guided tour of the Itambé Baron’s Mansion. The event is organized by the Instituto Aupaba and the Government of Catalonia in Brazil, with support from the University of Vassouras, the Vassouras Department of Culture, and the Vale do Café Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Context
The Paraíba Valley was one of the most prominent stages of cultural diversity and wealth in 19th-century Brazil. The region’s prosperity was closely tied to coffee production, which transformed not only the economy but also the landscape and local way of life. Villaronga was among the many figures in this setting, finding in the region the opportunities he needed to develop his craft and offer an aesthetic expression that combined the opulence of the farms with the local landscapes. Despite the many works attributed to the Catalonian painter found in the area, he remained in obscurity for more than a century. The catalogue is the result of years of research and dedication by Ana de Paula Torem, who wishes to bring this fascinating Catalonian immigrant to the forefront of the artistic history of the Paraíba Valley.
About Instituto Aupaba
The Instituto Aupaba (from the Tupi-Guarani, meaning “land of origin”) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization founded in 2023 as a hub for projects dedicated to impactful social, environmental, and cultural actions. In a creative, innovative, and streamlined approach, it develops projects and offers expertise in the creation and execution of environmental, cultural, and educational programs aimed at supporting local development, where tourism can be a tool for social and economic transformation. Under the leadership of Luciana De Lamare, co-founder and professional with over 20 years of experience in the tourism sector, Instituto Aupaba stands out for its transparent, reliable, and dynamic governance. Its Strategic Council consists of 45 members and leaders in the areas of environment, culture, tourism, and political science, reflecting the Institute’s commitment to inclusion. Discover more about our activities on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Press Contact
- Email: imprensa@institutoaupaba.org
- Christiane Paiva Chaves | +55 (21) 99987.5585
- Karina Mosmann | +55 (11) 98690.7444
