I first saw Mafalda Vasconcelos striking artworks during Vamff earlier this year. It was only days before Covid began shutting down events around Melbourne, in a small exhibition space in Collingwood that had a big impact on me. Her artworks have been swimming in my head ever since.
Born in South Africa and growing up in Mozambique, Mafalda uses art as a way of exploring her biracial identity and the different cultural influences in her life.
There is strong evidence of African influence through Mafalda’s visual work. The artist is of mixed ethnicity, from interracial parent’s which has given her a different perspective on the issue.
Her work, dedicated to her mother and the women who raised her in Mozambique. Mafalda explores the female figure through the use of contrast and opposition, black and white, vibrant colours, and geometric shapes which result in some truly beautiful modern artworks celebrating The feminine form.
Read on below for my interview with Mafada as we discuss what led her into becoming and artist and her inspirations.
Can you tell us a little about yourself, your background and what led you to becoming an artist?
I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1993. My mother and her family are native Mozambican and my father is Mozambican but from a large Portuguese family, so I am biracial. I have always been very creative and because I was the youngest child, drawing was my way of being entertained and staying curious. I studied fashion design and graduated with a BA Hons from the Westminster University and recently finished a MA in entrepreneurship. After working in fashion for a few years, I knew that I wanted more freedom, which I found in art.
How would you describe your work?
Abstracted portraits and nudes of women using geometric shapes and line drawings of bright colours to highlight dimension and movement. Loosely inspired by African art. The symbolism in my work is inspired by my family’s traditional beliefs and folk stories.
Can you give us some insight into your process? / How do you create your artworks?
I draw a lot and all the time. I draw looking at images I take when I am back in Mozambique, from self-portraits or live drawing sessions I do with friends. I then abstract and change the facial features to create different expressions and seemingly different people. And depending on the faces and expressions I like, I then decide if I would like to paint or to digitally illustrate the image, though I am trying to move away from digital work.
What does a day in the office/studio look like for you?
Every day in the studio is different and depends on what projects I have going on. I usually start my day by replying to emails and then I pack paintings and prints for shipment. After that I go to the post to ship them. In the afternoon I paint or draw or pack more pieces for shipping. Some days I spend the whole time creating new works for my monthly releases or collaborations.
What inspires your artworks?
My background growing up in Mozambique inspires me the most. The matriarchal figures in my family are the main inspiration for my artworks depicting women. I love how strong and yet loving they are.
What are some resources you use for inspiration?
Books, books and books. Research is really important to me
Tell us about some of the people in the industry who inspire you and why?
So many! Joan Mitchell is one of my favourite artists ever. I think about Roberto Chichorro all the time, he is my absolute favourite and major inspiration for me. I also love the works of Gaugin and his colourful and interesting compositions. A contemporary artist I love is Toyin Ojih Odutola, I love her latest collection of artworks for her exhibition “A Countervailing Theory” because it has so much meaning and is so unique.
What would your dream project/collaboration be?
I would love to collaborate with jewellery brand Paola Vilas and make some surreal jewellery. I would also love to collaborate with the Margiela Maison (absolute dream!). Other than that, I just go with the flow and try to work in projects that spark joy and people that inspire me; I have been very fortunate to have had some amazing collaborations and met some incredible people.
What are some of your favourite pastimes?
Travelling and learning more about ancient civilizations. I love reading too.
Where is your favourite place to shop in Melbourne?
I don’t shop that much unless it is for art supplies or vintage furniture. I get “lost” in art supply stores all the time; it is like I am in a magical world. Vintage furniture is so special to me, I love that each object has its own unique story and life even though they are inanimate.
What’s next for you?
I am just really looking forward to lockdown ending after many months. I hope I can do another solo exhibition again in the beginning of 2021, if everything goes right; fingers crossed!