I was born and raised in
Angola, a country located in southwest Africa. During my early
years, I had the opportunity to learn and study two essential
perspectives of my diverse cultural background which are now
unfolding in creative activity. Folklore and mythologies were
two of the most important and an essentials element in young
people lives, considering the theoretical and political development
of our culture. Due to the evolution of this development, some
of the pure and original traditions are slowly fading out because
of western influences.
My
artwork depicts vividly stereotype issues, Post Colonial Discourse,
Myth, ethnicity, politics and other genres. I meticulously combine
both art forms that I learnt in Africa and in America. By means
of this fusion of art forms, I was able to create work that
conveys stories of my birth place and my stay in the California.
In conclusion, Angola is a very dynamic and culturally rich
country filled with unexplored territories and history. These
unknown territories and traditions in their entirety will disappear
with the rapid expansion of American and European influence.
There are still many misconceptions shared between Africa and
the United States. I believe by exchanging ideas and information
those misconceptions may change into knowledge.