Kabú

"His vibrant use of contrasting warm and cool tones creates dynamic compositions, while straight, broken, and undulating lines structure his pieces. His themes delve into identity, spirituality, and cultural preservation, reflecting the complexities of life, death, and the human experience."

MEET

Kabú

Kabú (Zola Pires Daniel), born on 27 November 1981 in Ingombotas, Luanda, is an Angolan visual artist currently pursuing a degree in Visual and Plastic Arts at the University of Luanda. Kabú’s artistic journey began as a child, drawing on notebooks and playing with other children in the traditional game “mamã mandou fazer.” However, it was in 2000 that his artistic talent began to flourish. Driven by a thirst for knowledge, he taught himself by copying comic books and magazines, which became his first teachers.

In 2002, he joined the atelier of Master Kabongo, where he was mentored by artists Kalemba and Melo for a year before embarking on a self-taught path. His dedication led him to exhibit his work for the first time in 2003 at Galeria Comercial Espelho da Moda, which also served as a training ground for refining his technique. Kabú later attended the National Institute of Artistic Training (INFA), deepening his technical and theoretical knowledge.

In 2008, Kabú met renowned Angolan artist Guilherme Mampuya, who mentored and encouraged him to hold his first solo exhibition in 2010 at Hotel Alvalade. The two artists collaborated on live paintings during significant events, such as the 6th anniversary of Revista Cara and the Lwini Fund Gala.

Kabú's work is known for its stylised realism, often placing men and women at the centre of his narratives. His vibrant use of contrasting warm and cool tones creates dynamic compositions, while straight, broken, and undulating lines structure his pieces. His themes delve into identity, spirituality, and cultural preservation, reflecting the complexities of life, death, and the human experience.

Collective Exhibitions
2021: Talatona Shopping Gallery
2021: Natalício, SKY Gallery, Kinaxixi
2019: Avenida Shopping Gallery
2019: Banco Económico, promoted by THIS IS NOT A WHITE CUBE Gallery
2018: Impressão Expressão, Tamar Golan Gallery
2017: Banco Económico, promoted by THIS IS NOT A WHITE CUBE Gallery
2016: Mangala Eventos Restaurant
2016: Brazilian Cultural Centre, promoted by ENSA-ARTE
2015: A Face da Arte Angolana, Tamar Golan Gallery
2014: HTCA, with Mumpasi Meso
2012: Siexpo, ENSA-ARTE Competition
2005: Trópico Hotel Gallery, Celamar Cooparte Project

Solo Exhibitions
2017: Eco dos Heróis, Tamar Golan Gallery
2015: HTCA
2015: Cultura Vista por Dentro, Tamar Golan Gallery
2011: Hotel Baía
2010: Hotel Alvalade
2010: Live painting, Revista Cara anniversary, Belas Shopping

Awards
2024: Winner of the Contemporary Art Exhibition celebrating the Centenary of Agostinho André Mendes de Carvalho (Uanhenga Xitu), Memorial Dr. António Agostinho Neto.

Kabú continues to develop his craft, producing works that embody the richness of Angolan culture while exploring universal themes through his distinctive artistic lens.

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