Cristiano Mangovo
“I would say that our collective enthusiasm for reflecting on the past, present, and future was not in vain. It enabled us to reveal, question, explain, and propose constructive ideas, each according to the scope of our technical knowledge, in pursuit of a satisfactory response to the well-being of all. In this work, I portray a world in which flour—food—is readily available to everyone who seeks it. From the fields to the mills, and through marketing until it reaches families, the entire process functions well, free from bombings, destruction, and injustice. This is the world we dream of: a world in which people can work, earn a living, and live together in equality, without deprivation. In my country, we say, ‘A hungry belly has no ears.’ This proverb conveys that a person who is hungry cannot focus on anything beyond their hunger. Where food is available and people’s basic needs are met—one of the foundations of well-being—thought, creativity, and imagination can flourish.”
Cristiano Mangovo was born in 1982 in Cabinda, Angola, and graduated in Painting from the Faculty of Fine Arts. He represents a generation of artists who are socially focused on contributing to a better and increasingly self-aware Africa. Inspired by a country that is still forging its own post-colonial identity after many years of conflict and civil war, his increasingly innovative work offers a compelling social commentary with strong elements of psychoanalysis and the distorted body. The protection of human beings and nature, and the improvement of social life are themes that inspire him most of the time. His work is multifaceted, ranging from expressionism, impressionism to surrealism, including installation and performance, in which he demonstrates great skill and total confidence in his firm line. At the same time, Cristiano Mangovo embraces contemporary sculpture out of passion and the desire to give a second life to products that would otherwise be discarded in the trash, in order to contribute to environmental preservation.
“Food #2”, acrylic on canvas (50x50cm)