Babu

Angola

"I live in the limbo of schizophrenia as if inhabiting
two identities or more, I wander between them, in the incessant search for my incessant search for my origin.
"

MEET

Babu

Born on 25 April 1974 in Malanje, Angola, Hamilton Francisco, known as Babu, embarked on his artistic journey from an early age, fuelled by an innate passion for painting that would come to shape his life's purpose.

Babu's quest for artistic excellence led him to the Manauto Training and Technology Centre in Luanda, Angola, where he continued his studies in industrial design. However, his unwavering dedication to the world of art led him to further enrich his knowledge and he continued his artistic exploration in Portugal.

As a visual artist, Babu uses a diverse range of visual forms to convey his creative expressions. His path as an artist took a significant turn when he took part in the "Museums in the Centre" project in Coimbra, Portugal. Inspired by this experience, he embarked on the ambitious artistic research project "Memory and Identity". Through this project, Babu delves deep into fundamental historical narratives, exploring the complex interplay between Africa's history, its global interactions and the intricate dynamics of colonisation.

Babu's artistic endeavours have led him to participate in numerous solo and group exhibitions, captivating audiences with his thought-provoking creations. His artistic contributions have also taken him to various corners of the world through artistic residencies, further enriching his creative perspective.

His works have found a prominent place in public and private collections, covering the landscapes of Angola and beyond. Notable collections include the Millenium Atlantico Foundation, CLC Arquitectos, Presidente Meridien Luanda, and the esteemed Jean Clode de Almeida collection.

Hamilton Francisco continues to channel his boundless passion for art into works that resonate with audiences around the world. His artistic journey is a testament to the power of creativity to illuminate the complexities of history, identity and the human experience.

FROM OUR BLOGUE
Art with Impact: Study visit to the Afro Renaissance exhibition
As part of our "Art with Impact" series, we explore how art can transform perspectives and foster meaningful dialogue. During the "Afro Renaissance" exhibition at Quinta da Fidalga, we had the joy of receiving guided tours from various institutions. One visit in particular stands out: a school that brought three classes - two pre-schoolers and a third grader.
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Brands with Art: Rómulo Santa Rita and the Cosal Group
On the vibrant African contemporary art scene, collaborations between artists and brands have become a powerful way of telling stories and creating meaningful connections. One notable example is the partnership between renowned Angolan artist Rómulo Santa Rita and the Cosal Group, which resulted in the creation of the cover for the book "Superbrands Angola 2023".
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Meet our Women Power
These 12 extraordinary women bring their unique voices to the contemporary art scene, enriching our platform and the art world with their distinct and innovative perspectives. By celebrating their achievements, we join together in promoting a more inclusive and diverse artistic environment, where women's voices are heard, respected and celebrated.
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Cosal x Walter Fernandes: Innovation
At the forefront of innovation and creativity, the COSAL - Comérico e Serviços de Angola group challenged the traditional boundaries of brand activation during the first Afrikanizm exhibition. In a pioneering collaboration with Walter Fernandes, one of the exhibition's featured artists, Cosal transformed one of its most emblematic products - the car - into a canvas of artistic expression. Discover how this union not only redefines the concept of marketing and branding, but also celebrates cultural identity and the power of innovation.
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