Millennium bim and the Franco-Mozambican Cultural Center (CCFM) inaugurated the exhibition The Fortune Teller of Poverty Makers, created by Gonçalo Mabunda and curated by photographer Mauro Pinto, on Tuesday, August 12.
The exhibition, open until October 18 in the CCFM exhibition hall, is part of the social responsibility program “More Mozambique for Me” and marks the 30th anniversary of the bank, the 30th anniversary of CCFM, and the 50th anniversary of Mozambique’s independence.
Renowned for his sculptures made from decommissioned weapons – including thrones, masks, and anthropomorphic figures (representations of non-human beings with human characteristics or attributes) – Mabunda presents works in the exhibition that reflect on war, power, history, and the transformative potential of art. The project also marks the artist’s 50th birthday, whose career is closely linked to valuing collective memory and engaging with contemporary art.
During the opening, in an interview with Diário Económico, Gonçalo Mabunda explained that the exhibition’s title is loaded with irony: “When I talk about fortune-telling, there are so many creators of poverty… it’s almost like trying to point out who and how many there are. That’s what the title is about,” he said.
The artist also shared that the exhibition idea came from CCFM, which wanted to connect his career to the commemorative milestones: “I am 50 years old, and CCFM is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The idea was to bring these moments together. The exhibition conveys many messages – poverty exists every day, but never in the same way. Art allows me to speak about this and reach many places in a short time.” Mabunda also highlighted the importance of his relationship with CCFM, recalling that his first international trip as an artist was made possible thanks to the institution. “It’s a long-standing friendship. But, at the end of the day, it’s the work that should speak for itself,” he concluded.
By joining the initiative, Millennium bim reinforced its role as an active agent in the country’s development, contributing to the promotion of national artistic heritage and cultural responsibility.
Januário Valente Júnior, Executive Director of Millennium bim’s Executive Committee, emphasized the value of this connection to art:
“Art is part of our DNA. Since our foundation, we have invested in it and in culture because we believe they are pillars of the country’s social development and help carry our flag beyond borders,” he stated.
Commenting on the artist’s work, he added: “He transforms something that was practically useless into something invaluable. A simple piece of iron becomes art, and art of great value. It’s beautiful to see and deserves recognition. Gonçalo Mabunda’s name speaks for itself; he is known internationally for his magnificent work transforming weapons and recycled materials into unique pieces.” Valente also assured that Millennium bim will continue to support national talent: “We want to support more and more talented Mozambicans like Gonçalo Mabunda, because that is part of our DNA,” he affirmed.
The exhibition features over ten works, with prices ranging from 150,000 to 1,000,000 meticais.
The opening was attended by representatives of Millennium bim, CCFM, the artist, and the curator, as well as institutional guests and art enthusiasts, who had the opportunity to speak directly with the creator of the exhibited works.
Text: Germano Ndlovo
