Bolondo Mbongo

Art has dubbed him Bolondo, but in times when he takes a break from his work, he goes by Papino Simão Mbongo. His dream is to be part of the world, and he has already conquered some countries. His roots are in Angola, but when he speaks to us his accented language proves that Africa wasn’t his only home. In conversation, we found out that he has lived in France, where he has taken part in group exhibitions. He graduated in fine arts from the Academy of Fine Arts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and spent part of his life there with his family. Art appeared in his life as a child and took the form of comic strips. Today, it’s no longer comic strips that drive his artistic vein, but women portrayed in the light of expressionism. Colour is synonymous with life for him, hence the explosion of colour in every work he paints. What guides him? Instinct. Who inspires him? God. When asked about the origins of his artistic name, he quickly replies: «Bolondo is a name with power in Angola, like a baobab, the country’s typical tree». It wasn’t until sometime later that we realised what he was talking about - after some reflection. The baobab is the tree that contemplates the world with patience and experience, it only has leaves at the right time and is economical in its gestures. Just like Bolondo’s way of being. The baobab whispers Africa, its scorching sunsets, its bright colours and the women who carry the children of a nation on their chests. Just like Bolondo’s art. The analogy has stuck in our minds, and this seems like a good starting point to get to know him.

With the civil war raging in Angola, you took refuge in the Democratic Republic of Congo with your family. Did that teenage period shape you into the person you are today?
That period was very difficult, but time heals everything. A large part of my life was spent in Congo. I studied there, at the Academy of Fine Arts, and only then returned to Angola. It was a tough time, but at the same time I learnt a lot. Y

ou began by developing your artistic expression through comics.
I loved comic strips as a child. I’d say it was my first contact with art, which eventually passed. At the Academy of Fine Arts, I went deeper into painting, and to this day it remains my main passion. 

How does an artist become an artist?
It has to do with the spirit of each individual. There are many people who don’t get into art because it’s a difficult path, so they give up. Once you’ve been trained in the field, it all depends on the faith you put in your work. The value we place on our work is what makes us artists, along with the quality with which we paint and the soul we put into it. 

Looking back at the first pictures you painted, do you feel the urge to do them again?
My old works were different, mask-like, asphalt. I tried to make it my art, but when I arrived in Angola, I realised that this style wasn’t understood by the Angolan public, that my message wasn’t getting through. In Congo they understood, but when I arrived in Angola I had to adapt. As a result, my work has evolved over time and space, and since I graduated from Fine Arts, I’ve noticed this trend even more. That’s why I don’t know if I’d change anything about my early work, art has never been the same since I decided to become an artist. 

What avant-garde influences your art?
Expressionism. 

In your oil paintings you express an interest in depicting the female figure. Why did you choose women as the muse for your creations?
Without woman, man would not exist. It is she who gives life and helps to build a society. I love talking about women because they really do play a very important role in a country, a society and the world. And the female figure I depict doesn’t choose an ethnicity or style. I simply draw women, with all the diversity that exists. 

Colour is also a structural factor in your work, highlighted by explosions of colour...
70% of the work is conceived for the artist, 30% is idealised for the client. I’ve always wanted to be different from the ordinary, to stand out with my own style. To preserve that individuality. Hence the explosion of colours and other details found in the works I paint. When someone sees my work, they can tell that it was me who did it, and that’s because I have the soul of an artist. I always endeavour to be different from my what is around me. 

What is your favourite colour?
I really like gold. 

With a blank canvas in front of you, do you pick up your brush and leave the rest to intuition?
It’s difficult to explain the whole process. I pick up the brush, the spatula and just let myself go. The result is essentially the fruit of intuition.

«The value we place on our works is what makes us artists»

You are the father of three children. Do you believe that fatherhood has changed your outlook on life and art?
Yes. Well, life isn’t easy, and living well in Africa is an uphill struggle. The world of artists is also complicated and now with the crisis, with prices rising all the time, with it being hard to exhibit works and sell them... it’s not easy. Today I think I’m doing well, but when you’re a father you think about these issues even more. My children motivate me and are my thoughts. I work hard to give them everything I want. 

Tell us, is everything art?
Yes, everything in my life is art. In fact, I live for art. 

If you weren’t an artist, what would you be?
When I was a child I used to say I wanted to be an aeroplane pilot(laughs). 

Does anyone inspire you?
Only God inspires me, my style is my own. 

How would you define beauty?
Beauty is values. Beauty is women. 

What are you working on at the moment?
I have the exhibition Past and Present: The Doors to the Future, at the Dr. António Agostinho Neto Memorial. This is a reflection on time and how important it is to look at the past in order to create the future. It addresses the value of time and the commitment to the future. 

What is your favourite work?
That’s difficult to answer, because all my works are special. They are all different, but beautiful in their own way. 

Are there any future projects you’d like to tell us about?
I’m going to be in Portugal soon to take part in a very interesting group exhibition. 

How can the Angolan population be brought more into contact with art?
Angola has grown a lot in the field of art. We already have several Angolan artists making a name for themselves in the field, including those who are gaining visibility abroad. I notice that many young people want to follow this path. 

And do you want to stay in Angola or expand around the world?
Every artist’s dream is to be part of the world. I want everyone to know about Bolondo’s work. I also don’t like staying in one place for too long and I’m thinking of moving on, maybe staying in Portugal for a while.