Sansão Nhantumbo
Artist from Maputo, Mozambique
Sansão Nhantumbo is an artist, teacher, and social activist from Mozambique whose works address the profound social and political issues of postcolonial African society. With a particular focus on identity, culture, and transformation, Nhantumbo uses art as a tool for reflection and social change.
His works – ranging from painting to sculpture and installation art – are characterized by the fusion of traditional symbols and modern expressions. He uses everyday materials combined with symbolic elements to reflect societal contradictions, historical conflicts, and the challenges of the postcolonial era. In his works, he creates a dialogue between Africa’s past and its modern present, urging viewers to engage deeply with questions of culture, heritage, and the future.
As an artist and educational activist, Sansão Nhantumbo is also involved in social projects that aim to promote art as a means for education and social development. He is committed to raising awareness about art and its transformative power, particularly in contexts shaped by poverty, inequality, and conflict.
Through his international presence in the contemporary African art scene and active participation in exhibitions worldwide, Nhantumbo has made a significant contribution to the global dialogue on the role of art in today’s world. In Mozambique and beyond, his art is celebrated as a powerful symbol of change and a platform for cultural exchange.
Keyvisual
For the exhibition Planet Africa – An Archaeological Time Travel, the artist Sansão Nhantumbo interpreted the topic Diversity – Natural wealth through diversity in his own powerful way. At the center of his illustration is the iconic Baobab tree, which serves as a symbol of Africa's natural diversity. This tree, also known as the "Tree of Life," embodies the vastness of the African continent – from its rich flora and fauna to the cultural and ecological diversities that shape it.
Sansão's work is a representation of Africa’s natural resources, reflecting the diversity of ecosystems, from savannas to tropical forests, from rivers to desert regions. The Baobab tree here acts as a metaphor for the longevity and resilience of nature, as well as the connections between the natural cycles of earth, water, and life.
Sansão uses the complexity of the Baobab to show the intertwining of nature and culture. The tree is not only a natural giant but also a cultural symbol of life, resilience, and the responsibility that people have toward the earth.
In this artistic representation, Africa’s natural diversity is portrayed as a dynamic force that reflects the change and adaptation of both people and nature. Sansão's work urges us to reflect on the natural wealth of the continent and recognize humanity’s responsibility to preserve this wealth in order to maintain ecological balance and protect diversity as the key to a sustainable future.