Description
Mapfara has been sculpting as if in a dream, perhaps since his birth in 1979, in Maputo. His sculptures are realms where fantastical beings coexist with myriad other entities, as evidenced by the faces strewn across and clustered within the artworks. So, they gaze upon us in two different ways: firstly, because artworks inherently observe us; secondly, because beyond the inherent gaze of artworks, Mapfara's sculptures possess numerous eyes and mouths that either close, murmur, whisper, or scream, giving rise to radioactive fields. He seldom adheres directly to conventional forms, allowing them to align with what is readily observable, although exceptions can occur.
Mapfara reveals the exterior through elements identifiable within visible reality, while simultaneously delving into the interior through a delirium of forms entwined with monsters, supernatural entities, metamorphic figures, fish resembling thistles, flowers growing in the air, or feet emerging from heads. Dreamlike, fantastical, and inspired by Surrealism, Mapfara manipulates clay with a skill that mirrors that of a true snake charmer. In Mapfara's essential message, snakes hold as much value as a human face.
Works
2018, Maputo
clay and engobe 48,5 x 59 x 34,5 cm
In this compelling manifestation of his personal iconography, Mapfara offers a ceramic allegory that underscores the superficiality of the distinction between Man and Animal. While the anthropocentric perspective positions us as merely cohabitants of the universe with animals, Mapfara reminds us that this division is a misguided construct: we are all creatures of the same mould, and there is much we can learn from all our fellow beings.
2021, Maputo
clay with engobe, with metal applications 37 x 47 x 33 cm
As a sculptor, Mapfara demonstrates complete respect for both the human community on one hand and the so-called non-rational animal kingdom on the other. In "De Olhares Atentos" (With Watchful Eyes), we can either admire the wisdom of elephants as they act in unison or view them as a source of inspiration for us humans.
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Biography
1979 – Maputo, Mozambique
Visual Artist – Ceramic Sculpture
António Horácio Sitoe, better known as Mapfara, developed a passion for the arts at a young age, unveiling his talents in a dance of his own creation that captivated those who stopped to watch him perform. This artistic movement also gave him a new level of financial support in a country with challenging economic conditions.
However, his genuine exploration of the artistic landscape began through the ACHU-FRE Association ("Associação Cultural Hulene em Frente") in 1999, on the outskirts of Maputo, where he found the support to propel and nurture the development of his aesthetic creativity. It was also within this association that he honed his skills in crafting ceramic works, cultivating his distinct style and technique influenced by both traditional and modern Mozambican ceramic art, thus becoming a self-taught artist.
Mapfara became an icon and made an indelible mark on Mozambican culture, notably winning the first prize in the sculpture category of the Commonwealth Arts and Crafts Awards (Australia - 2007/2008), and receiving the Revelation Award from the Alberto Chissano Foundation, among numerous other distinctions.
SOLO EXHIBITIONS (selection)
2023 – Fingers on the Moon and Head on the Earth, Manoeuvre Gallery, Portugal
2023 – Humanimalidade, Franco-Mozambican Cultural Centre, Maputo, Mozambique
WORKSHOPS
2023 – Art Marathon, 5th Gaia International Art Biennale, Lever - Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
2022 – Momentum Mozambique Artist Residency, Matosinhos, Portugal
2018 – Tchalata and Friends, Italian School, Maputo, Mozambique
2015 – The Supper, Art Centre, Maputo, Mozambique
2010 – Mozambique Fashion Week, Maputo, Mozambique
2009 – Mozambique Fashion Week, Maputo, Mozambique
2008 – Early Learning Centre and Boorai – The Children Art Gallery, University of Melbourne, Australia | Mozambique Triangle Workshop, The Thinker, National Museum of Art Maputo, Mozambique | Mozambique/Portugal Cultural Week, Maputo, Mozambique | Expo Zaragoza, Spain
2004 – Circle of Interest, ACHUFRE, Maputo, Mozambique | Art in the Landscape, Boane, Mozambique
2003 – Circle of Interest, ACHUFRE, Maputo, Mozambique
2002 – Workshop with Dutch artists, with Justia Heidkoop featured, Heads of Mozambique, Franco-Mozambican Cultural Centre, Maputo, Mozambique
2001 – Collective Painting of Murals, Psi/Jeito project, Mozambique
GROUP EXHIBITIONS (selection)
2023 – 5th Gaia International Art Biennale, Portugal
2022 – Expo Dubai, Mozambique Pavilion, Dubai | Resilience, Fernando Leite Couto Foundation, Maputo, Mozambique | Momentum Mozambique, Manoeuvre Gallery, Portugal | Manimalia, Manoeuvre Gallery, Portugal
2021 – Three Dimensions: Paths, Densities and Possibilities, Brazil-Mozambique Cultural Centre and Franco-Mozambican Cultural Centre, Maputo, Mozambique
2019 – Kulungwana Association, Maputo, Mozambique
2018 – Kingdom of Coast roots, Art Center, Maputo, Mozambique | Emotions in-Corporate, Perve Gallery, Lisbon, Portugal
2017 – Ceramicando, Fernando Leite Couto Foundation, Maputo, Mozambique
2016 – Crescente Collection, Kulungwana Association, Maputo, Mozambique | Battle of Women, BCI Media Library, Maputo, Mozambique
2015 – XIII TDM Biennia - Plastic Arts, Contemporary - Possibilities and Contributions, National Museum of Art Maputo, Mozambique | Crescente Collection, Kulungwana Association, Maputo, Mozambique
2014 – Crescente Collection, Kulungwana Association, Maputo, Mozambique
2013 – VII Caminhos Biennial, National Museum of Art Maputo, Mozambique
2012 – Encounter and Disencounter, BCI Media Library, Maputo, Mozambique
2011 – Scale of Time, BCI Media Library, Maputo, Mozambique | Sculpture and Ceramics, Consulate of Portugal, Maputo, Mozambique | XI TDM Biennial, National Museum of Art Maputo, Mozambique
2010 – Fine Arts, 35th anniversary of the Bank of Mozambique, Maputo, Mozambique | The Vitality of Mozambican Art, Embassy of the United States of America, Maputo, Mozambique | FootArt - Hate Football or I love football, Franco Mozambican Cultural Centre, Maputo, Mozambique | 4 ideas other looks, Art Center, Maputo, Mozambique | Lands of Africa, French School, Maputo, Mozambique
2009 – TDM Biennial, Made in Mozambique, Ho Gan Gallery, Melbourne, Australia | Workshop Meeting, Mozambican Photography Association, Maputo, Mozambique
2008 – For the flood victims, Art Centre, Maputo, Mozambique
2007 – Ceramic Sculpture 10 Artists - Various Possibilities, National Museum of Art (MUSART), Maputo, Mozambique | Converging Paths, 10th anniversary BCI, Maputo, Mozambique | From Body and Soul, with the painter Nathan, Franco-Mozambican Cultural Centre, Maputo, Mozambique
2006 – III CPLP Biennial, Maputo, Mozambique | MUSART Annual Exhibition, Maputo, Mozambique
2005 – 1st ACHUFRE Collective, Franco-Mozambican Cultural Centre | VIII TDM Biennial, Maputo, Mozambique
2002 – Heads of Moçambique, Franco Mozambican Cultural Centre, Maputo, Mozambique | Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
2000 – New Dimensions, Franco Mozambican Cultural Centre, Maputo, Mozambique
AWARDS and HONOURS
2010 – Third place "FootArte Competition" - with the theme - I hate football or I love football, Franco-Mozambican Cultural Centre, Maputo, Mozambique
2009 – Honourable Mention at the TDM Biennial National Art Museum, Maputo, Mozambique
2007 – First Prize in the sculpture category of the Commonwealth Arts and Crafts Award 2007/2008 from the Commonwealth Foundation, Australia
2005 – Honourable Mention in the "Discovery Competition" at the C.E.B., Mozambique
2004 – Alberto Chissano Foundation Revelation Award, Mozambique
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2018, Maputo
clay and engobe 48,5 x 59 x 34,5 cm