First Capital Bank hosted an exhibition of contemporary Mozambican art at the Maputo Port Gallery, bringing together original works by ten national artists selected through a curatorial process as part of the Art Competition – Expressão Moçambicana. The exhibition opened on 8 October and culminated in an awards ceremony held on 15 October, during which three artists were recognised, celebrating the creativity and diversity of Mozambican artistic expression.

The ten selected artists created original works for this edition, exploring different artistic languages and creative approaches. The works on display included Preparação da última refeição do dia numa noite de luar, by Albino Manhuana; Matriz de Abundância – Cântico do Afecto, by Algy Chaná Alberto de Sá (Chaná de Sá); Sonho Utópico, by Ricardo Joaquim (Kadinho); Cruzando, by Lizzie Ana Uamusse; and João, by Maria Chale. The collection also featured Beleza, by Moisés Arnaldo Sambo (Mógas); Início das Obras, by Nelsa Guambe; O Impulso Colectivo, by Isac Abílio Tivane (Phambi); Lugares e Memórias, by Samuel Djive; and O Sagrado Feminino, by Thandy Pinto.

The artworks reflect different experiences, sensibilities and forms of expression, encompassing contemporary painting, photography, digital art and collage. The diversity of the works presented helps showcase the creativity of national artists and offers audiences different perspectives on contemporary Mozambican art.

At the conclusion of the competition, Phambi (Isac Abílio Tivane) was awarded first place for his work O Impulso Colectivo, receiving a prize of MZN 100,000. A graduate in Architecture and Physical Planning from Eduardo Mondlane University, the artist’s work explores the intersection of activism, urban identity and cultural roots.

Second place was awarded to Samuel Djive for his work Lugares e Memórias, earning him a prize of MZN 75,000. A visual artist, painter and designer, he is known for an approach that combines design with expressionist painting characterised by strong symbolic elements. In 2011, he founded the Street Gallery project in Maputo.

Third place went to Thandy Pinto for her work O Sagrado Feminino, which received a prize of MZN 50,000. A multidisciplinary artist, she explores different artistic forms, including photography, video, digital art and collage, with a particular interest in visual storytelling.

In addition to the prize awarded to the first-place winner, the Bank will acquire the winning artwork, which will be displayed at its future headquarters. This decision will bring a work of Mozambican art into a space frequented by employees, clients, partners and visitors, extending the recognition of national artistic talent beyond the awards ceremony.

According to Ana Russo, Head of Marketing and Communications at the Bank, “Supporting art and culture is a way of recognising Mozambique’s cultural richness and contributing to the appreciation of its artists. The acquisition of the winning artwork, which will be displayed at the Bank’s future headquarters, reflects our commitment to sustaining this recognition and keeping Mozambican art present in the Bank’s everyday environment.”

Maria Elisa Chim, curator of the competition, thanked the Bank for its trust and for the opportunity to be part of the project, highlighting the importance of initiatives that promote culture and increase the visibility of national artists. In her view, projects of this nature help bring audiences closer to Mozambican art, recognise the diversity of artists’ perspectives and create opportunities to promote artistic creation in the country.

The Art Competition – Expressão Moçambicana forms part of the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility commitment through the promotion of culture and the recognition of national talent. The involvement of clients, partners and employees in the voting process also helped raise the profile of Mozambican artists, recognise their creativity and introduce their works to new audiences.

Following the awards ceremony, the participating artworks will remain on display at the Maputo Port Gallery until 1 November 2026, allowing the public to discover and appreciate the works featured in this edition.