MEET
Don Ruelas
Don Ruelas is an Angolan-Dutch contemporary visual artist whose multidisciplinary practice bridges the worlds of digital art, photography, urban culture, and African identity. Born in Luanda, Angola, Ruelas has played a foundational role in shaping the trajectory of contemporary African art, notably through his participation in key artistic collectives such as Nationalists, Koop Arte, and Two in One.
From 2000 to 2021, he lived in the Netherlands, where he pursued advanced studies in Media Art and Technology, complemented by specialised training in plastic arts. This academic and cultural immersion gave rise to a powerful body of work that blends video art, photographic storytelling, sound design, and VJ performance — creating immersive, multimedia experiences rooted in political critique and visual experimentation.
Ruelas' art is characterised by layered urban landscapes, vibrant colour fields, and textual interventions, offering a complex reading of African sociopolitical realities, diasporic identity, and collective memory. His ability to work across platforms — from galleries to digital installations — makes him a leading voice in redefining how African narratives are told and experienced.
In 2009, he was awarded the prestigious World Press Photo Award, affirming his global relevance as both a documentarian and experimental artist. His artworks have been showcased in international exhibitions and festivals, contributing to an expanded vision of what African contemporary art can be in the 21st century.
Whether through digital video, photography, or live audio-visual performances, Don Ruelas creates artworks that challenge perceptions, question established histories, and invite deep reflection on space, identity, and the future of African cities.
Now living and working between Europe and Africa, Ruelas continues to evolve as a critical cultural voice — connecting African heritage with global artistic innovation.
