In the world of contemporary art, collaborations between brands and artists can result in works that blend artistic creativity with corporate identity. A successful example of this union was the collaboration between Afrikanizm Art and Grupo Cosal, which culminated in the creation of the winning cover for the 2024 edition of Superbrands Angola.

This partnership emerged from a well-structured creative process, where Grupo Cosal, for the second consecutive year, challenged Afrikanizm to identify the artist who best translated their vision and values into a visually impactful artwork. This year, the winning cover was created by the Angolan artist Rómulo de Santa Rita, whose interpretation of the theme A Nova Energia (The New Energy) stood out for capturing the essence of innovation and sustainability, key pillars of Grupo Cosal's strategy for the future of Angola.

The Creative Process: From Challenge to Final Artwork

The journey began with the challenge set by Superbrands. Every year, brands distinguished as Superbrands in Angola are invited to create a book cover that reflects their identity and the theme proposed for the year. For 2024, the chosen theme was "Remarkable Reflections", encouraging brands to reflect on their impact on society and their role in building Angola’s future.

Once Grupo Cosal issued the challenge, Afrikanizm Art selected three artists whose style and artistic approach best aligned with the brand. Grupo Cosal, having previously collaborated with Rómulo de Santa Rita, once again chose him to create the 2024 cover.

Rómulo de Santa Rita’s Artistic Concept: "New Energy"

The concept proposed by Rómulo de Santa Rita for the Superbrands 2024 cover is a fusion of history, art, and technology. Titled "New Energy", the work pays homage to the Tchokwe people, who, in the early days of artistic expression, drew figures in the sand representing the unity of Man and Woman. These ephemeral drawings are presented as humanity's first steps in visual communication, linked to Grupo Cosal’s trajectory, which has made its mark on Angola’s development over several decades.

The artwork evolves by portraying the transition from sand to concrete, a material symbolizing strength and permanence. Concrete, a key element in the construction sector, reflects Grupo Cosal’s activities, capturing the progress and modernity the company has promoted. The solidity of concrete is combined with new electric energies, representing the introduction of electric cars into the Angolan market by Grupo Cosal, symbolized by the inclusion of LED lights in the artwork.

The Recognition: Best Cover of 2024

The collaboration between Afrikanizm, Grupo Cosal, and Rómulo de Santa Rita was widely recognized. Rómulo’s cover was awarded Best Cover of 2024 by Superbrands Angola, a prize that underscores the artistic quality of the work and its ability to represent the values of the brand.

In the previous year, Rómulo’s work for Grupo Cosal’s cover had already been recognized, ranking among the Top 3 Best Covers. This sequence of successes demonstrates the effectiveness of the collaboration between the brand and the artist, showcasing how art can be effectively used to communicate a company’s identity.

Afrikanizm’s Role: Facilitating Creative Collaborations

Afrikanizm Art plays a crucial role in these types of collaborations, acting as a bridge between brands and artists. Our mission is to select artists whose styles and visions are best aligned with the brands' objectives, promoting collaborations that are authentic, impactful, and creative. By connecting African artists with brands that recognize the value of art, we help to elevate African talent and integrate it into high-visibility projects.

In the case of Grupo Cosal, the collaboration with Rómulo de Santa Rita resulted in a work that goes beyond simple design. The Superbrands 2024 cover is a statement on innovation, durability, and the ongoing pursuit of new ways to interact with the world in a sustainable manner.

This victory is a testament to Afrikanizm Art’s ability to curate and facilitate collaborations that make an impact in both the artistic and corporate worlds. We will continue to promote these connections and ensure that contemporary African art takes its rightful place in the spotlight, showcasing its value and relevance to the world.