30th Oct, 2024 12:00
Modern and Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art
26
‡ CRISTIANO MANGOVO (ANGOLAN B.1982)
LES ENFANTS AUX BALLONS
signed and dated in English MANGOVO / 2019 lower right; signed, titled, inscribed and dated on the reverse
acrylic on canvas
203 x 133cm; 80 x 52 1/4
unframed
Property of a Private Collector, Madrid
Mangovo’s paintings are based on a personal pictorial language in which he plays with reality. He composes new but recognisable beings by combining universal visual elements. His reconstituted composite creatures, composed of hybrid assemblages of human, animal and vegetable elements emerge out of these disparate bodies to form these new entities. White ties, sleeves and trousers randomly dress the reassembled members.
The double mouth is omnipresent in Cristiano Mangovo's art and provides his work with a political dimension. This motif finds its roots in the regime led by José Eduardo dos Santos, president of Angola – Mangovo’s homeland – from 1979 to 2017. Condemning an unsaid dictatorial regime where public opinion was strictly controlled, Mangovo uses his two-mouthed characters as the vocal objectors of this censorship, freeing them from lasting repression. His canvases fight ignorance and raise awareness, acting as a voice for the unheard.
Mangovo’s first solo exhibition was held in 2013 at the Art and Culture Foundation in Luanda. In 2014, he won the Mirella Antognoli Argela award from the Italian Embassy and the Ensa-Art prize from the Alliance Française in Luanda, which led him to participate in an artist-in-residence programme at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris. He exhibited at the Angolan Pavilion at Expo Milano 2015 and has subsequently taken part in numerous group and solo shows internationally (Portugal, France, Italy, South Africa, DRC, and the USA).
Sold for £4,000
LES ENFANTS AUX BALLONS
signed and dated in English MANGOVO / 2019 lower right; signed, titled, inscribed and dated on the reverse
acrylic on canvas
203 x 133cm; 80 x 52 1/4
unframed
Property of a Private Collector, Madrid
Mangovo’s paintings are based on a personal pictorial language in which he plays with reality. He composes new but recognisable beings by combining universal visual elements. His reconstituted composite creatures, composed of hybrid assemblages of human, animal and vegetable elements emerge out of these disparate bodies to form these new entities. White ties, sleeves and trousers randomly dress the reassembled members.
The double mouth is omnipresent in Cristiano Mangovo's art and provides his work with a political dimension. This motif finds its roots in the regime led by José Eduardo dos Santos, president of Angola – Mangovo’s homeland – from 1979 to 2017. Condemning an unsaid dictatorial regime where public opinion was strictly controlled, Mangovo uses his two-mouthed characters as the vocal objectors of this censorship, freeing them from lasting repression. His canvases fight ignorance and raise awareness, acting as a voice for the unheard.
Mangovo’s first solo exhibition was held in 2013 at the Art and Culture Foundation in Luanda. In 2014, he won the Mirella Antognoli Argela award from the Italian Embassy and the Ensa-Art prize from the Alliance Française in Luanda, which led him to participate in an artist-in-residence programme at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris. He exhibited at the Angolan Pavilion at Expo Milano 2015 and has subsequently taken part in numerous group and solo shows internationally (Portugal, France, Italy, South Africa, DRC, and the USA).
Auction: Modern and Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art, 30th Oct, 2024
The Modern & Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art market has flourished over the last 15 years and continues to grow, establishing a strong foothold in the UK. Our expert department at Olympia Auctions has, uniquely among other auction houses, brought together the synergies of the Arab world, Maghreb and the rest of Africa, reflecting the mutuality and shared history of these regions.
Our previous sales have included works from the collection of the late Saudi collector, Dr Mohammed Said Farsi, and we are proud to hold the auction record for the highest value work on paper by the renowned Egyptian artist Tahia Halim (sold for £6,250).
Each spring and autumn, we hold bi-annual, tightly curated, live auctions, offering both young and established collectors the opportunity to acquire works in a wide range of price brackets.
Contact expert Janet Rady to consign in a future sale or for any queries: janet.rady@olympiaauctions.com | + 44 (0)20 7806 5541
Viewing Times:
27th Oct 2024 12:00 - 16:00
28th Oct 2024 10:00 - 20:00
29th Oct 2024 10:00 - 17:00
