Mário Macilau

Cultures of Resistance Awardee — Mozambique

Mário Macilau is a photographer from Mozambique. His photography often documents social issues in Mozambique through striking, black and white images. He seeks to make his audience aware not only of the many social injustices and inequalities in the world, but also of scenes of humanity, brotherhood, victory, love and hope. He is considered one of the “key figures” among the new generation of Mozambican artists. His works have been exhibited throughout Africa as well as worldwide.

His current project, “Faith”, documents the practice of animism in contemporary Mozambique. It examines traditional religions in which members believes in the existence of individual spirits that inhabit natural objects and phenomena, whereby the spirits of ancestors can affect the lives of the living. These religious practices can involve teachings, traditional medicine, healing methods, rites of passage for young men and women, and how to behave towards the members of the community. Through these practices, these traditional religions preserve ancient cultures of Mozambican tradition. 

Macilau received a Cultures of Resistance Award (CoR Award) in 2022 and will be using the grant to support his “Faith” project. 

Follow him on Instagram here to learn more about his work.

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