Profile
Malangatana Valente Ngwenya (1936-2011) was an artist and poet based in Mozambique. With his naive, almost surrealist style, Ngwenya depicted a colony in decline and the pointless suffering of the Mozambican people through his vibrant, elongated figures and bold use of color. He combined traditional Maconde sculptural forms with a personal touch, making his work both famous and beloved. Ngwenya's engagement in Mozambique's struggle for independence was reflected in his art and activism, which earned him 18 months in a colonial jail.His works explored themes of Mozambican culture, history, and the fight for freedom. Notable pieces include "Untitled (The Barefoot Party)" and "Untitled (The Dream of Ngungunhane)." Ngwenya's contributions influenced the arts in Mozambique and across the African continent. His murals and paintings were rooted in Mozambican identity, raising awareness of the country's heritage. Ngwenya's art was exhibited internationally at the National Museum of African Art and MoMA.
