The residency, facilitated by master printmaker Cloudia Rivett-Carnac from Johannesburg, forms part of the prize awarded annually to the winners of the Colecção Crescente initiative. It provides a platform for Mozambican artists to refine their craft, engage in cross-cultural exchanges, and showcase their talent on an international stage.
The resulting exhibition, aptly titled Visões Reveladas (Revealed Visions), chronicles a journey of artistic development and the unveiling of creative explorations. At the exhibition’s opening, Hollard CEO Henri Mitermayer highlighted the transformative potential of artistic initiatives like the Colecção Crescente programme in Mozambique, stating: “The exhibition suggests a narrative of artistic development and an unveiling of creative explorations.”
The works on display were created using two distinct printmaking techniques: cyanotype – a photographic process that produces prints in striking blue tones – and Tetra Pak, a sustainable engraving method that repurposes recycled packaging as printing plates, demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability beyond creative development.
Cláudio Polá, a 2024 Colecção Crescente winner from Zambézia province, described the residency as a significant learning opportunity. “My goal is to apply what I’ve learned to benefit a group of art enthusiasts in Quelimane city,” Polá said. His work addresses social issues in Mozambican society, demonstrating a commitment to community upliftment.
For fellow participant Sakitifa, the residency represented a journey of personal and artistic growth. “It’s a learning experience where bonds of friendship are strengthened while exercising the mind with knowledge that flows onto the canvas,” she remarked. Her work explores spirituality and the need for balance to achieve harmony in the world. Upon returning to Mozambique, Sakitifa plans to inspire more women to engage with the arts.
Pinto Zulo, a 2023 awardee, praised the programme for uniting Mozambican artists across generations. “It offers a unique opportunity to learn new techniques and trends while fostering collaboration,” Zulo said, reflecting on the residency’s role in advancing the quality of Mozambican art.
The exhibition not only celebrates the artistic achievements of its participants but also underscores the power of collaboration and cultural exchange in shaping a vibrant arts community. The title, Visões Reveladas, serves as an apt metaphor for the artists’ journeys, encapsulating the essence of the creative process through the gradual revelation of unique artistic visions.
Zadoc, the 2022 winner, commended the programme’s emphasis on technique-sharing, particularly in printmaking and photography. He noted that mastering these innovative methods had added invaluable dimensions to his artistic repertoire.
Journalist and 2024 winner Ouri Pota contributed three impactful works conveying messages of peace and harmony. “The residency was a school of intense practical learning,” he shared, highlighting the novelty of working with chemical agents in printing.
The works on display are a testament to the success of this second edition of the residency, showcasing the transformative impact of such initiatives on Mozambican artistic expression.
The exhibition, which runs until 2 February 2025, represents a natural expansion of the artistic residency programme, adding depth and value to the original project. As Hollard’s vision for sustainability continues to unfold, the Colecção Crescente initiative paves the way for a thriving artistic ecosystem, amplifying Mozambican talent and fostering a lasting creative impact.
For media queries, please contact
Jéssica Figueiredo - jessicaf@hollard.co.mz
