Speaking of art and artists, I'd be remiss if I failed to mention some of the talent from the island of Sao Vicente, the "cultural capital" of the archipelago. In particular, I'm going to focus on two of the artists although there are many examples throughout Cape Verde.
First, Edith Borges. Her talent began in her early years as a child. Later in high school, she began to work with water colors. Her friends recall her as the student who loved to draw and paint; she would give her creations to her classmates as gifts when she was finished with them. She later received a scholarship to study in the then Soviet Union. She earned a Master's degree in Fine Arts from the Moscow Institute of Fine Arts. Her studio is now located in the distant city of Malmo, Sweden, but her heart and her paintings exude only the
morabezza of her native land.
Next, is a talent who has remained completely local, was educated in Sao Vicente and plies his trade there. His name is Severo. I don't know much detail about the artist's life story. But I do know that he lives a humble life and goes unrecognized by the outside world. But you should take the time to discover his talent. You can find a large number of his works displayed at the beautiful Santantao Art Resort in the island of Santo Antao ... the hotel lobby is covered with his remarkable paintings. And if you'd like custom work done, this is the man who will paint the walls and ceiling of the foyer of your home or apartment in Cape Verde.
However, there is a disconcerting truth that the country's biggest cities, Praia (Santiago) and Mindelo (Sao Vicente) have higher rates of crime against the person, especially theft, and increasingly, violent theft.
