Gonçalo Mabunda, (b. Mozambique, 1975) Wood and recycled weapons 122cm x 92cm x 76cm (48 x 36.2 x

Gonçalo Mabunda, (b. Mozambique, 1975) Wood and recycled weapons 122cm x 92cm x 76cm (48 x 36.2 x 29.9in)

Born in 1975 in Maputo, Mozambique, Gonçalo Mabunda has been a full-time artist since 1997. He works primarily with recovered and deactivated weapons, seven million of which were stockpiled and hidden during the sixteen-year civil war that divided his country. The objects he chooses to work with carry strong political connotations, particularly for Mozambicans, whose collective memory Mabunda is interested in exploring through his artistic practice.

The ways in which the artist chooses to deconstruct and re-arrange recycled weaponry to create his sculptures, which often incorporate human features, offers a positive and undoubtedly humorous meditation on the transformative power of art and the resilience and creativity of African societies.

Mabunda`s work with munitions has its origins in his participation in the Transformation des armes en objets d`art project in 1998. His "thrones” have attracted widespread attention and attained an iconic status. They reference the Western world`s dubious fascination with often collecting the thrones of traditional African chiefs, and the irregular and often violent manner in which some African leaders have gained and clung to power.

Biography:

Mabunda`s work has beren included in shows at Museum Kunst Palast, Dusseldorf, Hayward Gallery, London, Pompidou, Paris, Mori Art Museum, Tokyo and the Johannesburg Art Gallery among others and is held in public collections world wide, including; Museum of Art and Design, New York; the Pigozzi collection; The Tropen Museum, Amsterdam – Netherland; International Sculpture Park, Changchun – China; Museum of Saint Etienne, Saint Etienne – France; Daum éditeur d`art, la Ville de Nancy – France. Acquired directly from the artist A private collection, U.K. Click here to view Catalogue