About

Mafalda Vasconcelos uses art as a way of exploring her biracial identity and the cultural influences in her life. Born in South Africa and growing up in Mozambique, there is an evidence of her cultural background through Mafalda’s visual work. Through learning about her culture, the artist developed a unique artistic style which has a contemporary theme and aesthetic. Now residing in Melbourne, Mafalda continues to explore the female figure and soul, through a mystical concept.

The inspiration behind Mafalda's work is symbolism and spiritualism based in her Mozambican culture. The artworks she creates are based on souls rather than real human figures representing her ancestors from the Nharinga people of Mozambique. The stylised and symbolic features that suggest human form and express strong human emotions. Souls are similar to spirits, they transport our energy and emotion and so Mafalda explores that in her art. She portrays the Mozambican women who have raised her and inspire her every day, like her mother (photo below), grandmother and great-grandmother. The colourful geometrical shapes and symbols are a language that Mafalda has developed through exploring the visual elements in art and in her own mixed and diverse background.

Follow Mafalda's journey in exploring this highly personal art language further and in creating more meaningful art.