The BCI Gallery in Maputo hosts an exhibition titled “Remembering Master Malangatana”, showcasing twenty-five works by the esteemed artist Malangatana (1936-2011). The exhibition pays tribute to his influential career and cultural contributions, attended by numerous dignitaries and art lovers. Key figures like Mutxini Ngwenya and Luís Aguiar emphasize the importance of preserving Malangatana’s artistic legacy, which continues to resonate both locally and internationally.
An exhibition titled “Remembering Master Malangatana” is currently featuring twenty-five works by the renowned Mozambican artist Malangatana (1936-2011) at the BCI Gallery in Maputo. This posthumous tribute highlights his significant contributions to the art world, showcasing the cultural richness of Mozambique beyond its borders. The opening event was graced by family, friends, and art enthusiasts, including Mutxini Ngwenya, son of the artist and head of the Malangatana Foundation.
Mutxini Ngwenya expressed, “Art has the power to tell stories, preserve memories, and strengthen identities. Malangatana, with his vibrant expression, captured the soul of the Mozambican people, their struggles, hopes, and dreams.” This collection, which belongs to Banco Comercial e de Investimentos (BCI), aims to preserve the legacy of Malangatana, as highlighted by BCI’s administrator, Luís Aguiar.
Aguiar remarked, “With his art, Malangatana represented and projected Mozambique in several galleries and museums around the world. It is essential to continue to value this legacy, keeping alive the memory, impact, and reach of his work.” Malangatana Valente Ngwenya remains a pivotal figure in the cultural history of Mozambique, celebrated for his diverse artistic talents, including painting, sculpture, and beyond.
Having begun his artistic journey under the guidance of figures such as biologist Augusto Cabral and architect Pancho Miranda Guedes, Malangatana’s versatility encompassed drawing, watercolour, ceramics, and even poetry. His first exhibition took place in 1959 at the Salon de Artes Plásticas in Lourenço Marques and continued post-independence with various exhibits worldwide.
Throughout his career, Malangatana received numerous accolades, including the Nachingwea medal for cultural contributions in 1995 and the title of “Artist for Peace” from UNESCO in 1997. His impact on the arts was further recognized by the University of Évora with a Doctor Honoris Causa in 2010 and by the French government as a “Commander of Arts and Letters.”
The exhibition “Remembering Master Malangatana” serves as a significant tribute to one of Mozambique’s most influential artists, chronicling his vast artistic contributions and cultural legacy. Esteemed figures such as Mutxini Ngwenya and Luís Aguiar affirm his profound impact on the Mozambican identity and global art scene. With a career spanning numerous artistic disciplines and accolades, Malangatana’s legacy continues to thrive, inspiring future generations.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
