"The exhibition is the result of an initiative of ELA - Espaço Luanda Arte (ELA) and 40.ena! magazine, which in March 2020 invited Angolan artists from Cabinda to Cunene to participate in a new National Arts Project entitled '#UsaMascara'", revealed Camões in a statement sent to VerAngola.
The initiative also has the support of Camões to exhibit the works and "the partnership of BFA - Banco de Fomento Angola, in the awarding of prizes.
The document also reveals that "for five months, until August 2020, and through social networks, artists from all over the country, without age or experience restrictions, were encouraged to produce works inspired in the moment we live of prevention and fight against the new coronavirus, highlighting in particular the use of the mask".
To make the works it was possible to use any kind of technique, such as painting, drawing, photography, recycled material, African cloth, video, among others.
A total of 62 works were submitted by 57 artists, and a jury composed elements from ELA, 40.ena! and Camões selected 33 works.
"The jury's choices were based on criteria of technique, composition, content, and narrative or message," the note advances.
In addition, the jury also decided to award five prizes:
- Camões Award #UsaMascara (organization of a solo exhibition in 2021) to Jardel Selele;
- ELA Award - Espaço Luanda Arte (organization of a solo exhibition in 2021) to Andreia Maia;
- BFA Award #UsaMascara (500,000 kwanzas in a BFA account to support the artistic work of the selected) to Rómulo Rosa;
- BFA Award #UsaMascara (500,000 kwanzas in a BFA account to support the artistic work of the selected) to Pemba;
- 40.Ena Award (production of editorial work about the artist's work) to Fran dos Santos.
The exhibition will be available until November 20th. It can be visited between 9am and 12pm and 2pm and 4pm, being the face-to-face visits limited to five people per hour.
Those interested should book their visit in advance by e-mail (icamoes.ccluanda@gmail.com) or by phone (938141858).
