Guizef Guilherme

He was born in Ambriz and, in his own words, everything that Africa gives him is converted into inspiration. Under the pseudonym Guizef, Augusto Zeferino talks to V&G about his large-small world, painted in the colours of his country. At 54, he has already been able to get to know part of the world, thanks to a talent that transcends the boundaries of Angola. His main character is the African woman, illustrated with the garments, colours and accessories that make her authentic to many people’s eyes. The artist’s talent has placed the Angolan country on the world’s radar, proof of which is the recent exhibition in Zurich. Without ever forgetting his origins, Guizef sketches in words the same art he paints on canvas. 

Tell us a bit about yourself. We know that you were born in the Bengo province and that your real name is Augusto Guilherme...
I am Guizef, Angolan visual artist. Art is a gift that stood out in me very early, although in my academic background I didn’t pursue the arts. I would have liked to enrol in the prestigious Académie des Beaux Arts, but it was not possible. I studied psychology and later graduated in graphic design. 

When did this artistic urge arise within you?
Well, after not getting into the course I wanted, I continued to make art, but only as a hobby. In 2012 and 2013, a friend insistently asked me to do an exhibition. He said I was good, and I eventually accepted. I must say that the reaction of the public came as a surprise to me. From July 2014, the year of my debut, until today, art has become the centre of my work.

Why did you choose to use the pseudonym Guizef? 
My full name is Guilherme Augusto Zeferino, but there was a small glitch in the registration services and I lost the name «Guilherme». Even so, as the name belonged to me, I ended up adding it to «Zeferino», giving rise to «Guizef». 

All the exhibited pieces portray the colours, clothes, accessories, manifestations and cultural surroundings of the Angolan people. Is Angola your muse?
Without any doubt. Africa, in general, is an inexhaustible source of inspiration, but Angola is my eternal muse.  

The face of the African woman is also usually present. Is the female figure special to you?
The African woman’s predominant role in the family is unquestionable, because she acts as a balance. Without forgetting that Mother Nature has been generous with women, giving them the most pronounced aesthetic traits, feminine intuition, etc... It is these and other aspects that allow the female figure to be, almost naturally, at the centre of my creative process. Also not forgetting my wife, Dina Unsende, who is my continuous inspiration.  

Do you paint what you see or do you see what you paint?
To create, I often start with an imaginary subject that will form the message I want to convey. Then I go looking for images, capturing photographs that can help me give form to my work. The rest is about going beyond the imagination. 

«The African woman’s predominant role in the family is unquestionable»

As a father of canvas and paint, can you choose your favourite painting?
Like a good father, I love all my children (he laughs). 

What materials do you use in your creative process?
I mainly use canvas, acrylic paint and canvas protector. I usually choose sustainable materials.  

What is the main message you want to transmit through your pieces?
The main message is that Africa has values to discover, values that the world needs to learn about in order to develop. 

You have already had several solo exhibitions abroad. Which countries have you been to?
I have been to Angola, Portugal, Italy, France, Dubai and Switzerland.  

Tell us about your most recent exhibition. 
Titled Les tendences modernes (Modern tendencies), the most recent collection is in Geneva, Switzerland. It is the consequence of reflection on the negative influences of science in some aspects of our lives.  

How has your work been received outside Angola?
The reception outside the country has been positive. 

«Africa has values to discover, values that the world needs to learn about in order to develop»

Who is your biggest critic?
Master Etona.  

Do you also appreciate other artists’ paintings?
I am a great lover of works of art. I really like the diversity.  

In 2020, you created Mãe Alegre (Joyful Mother), a piece that President João Lourenço gave to Pope Francis in the Vatican. What did this particular work represent for you?
I must say that this piece is the faithful portrait of the Angolan people: joyful and fighters.  

Today, you are still a member of the National Union of Fine Artists (UNAP) in Angola. Even though you are internationally known, do you like to feel connected to your origins?
As the German philosopher Nietzsche said, «He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand.» Angola, the UNAP and my people are a source of energy for me.  

If you were not an artist, what would you be?
An artist. Just to give you an idea: I was not accepted in the artistic institution, I graduated in psychology, but I ended up practicing graphic design, which is art in a digital format.  

Do you have any art project in mind that you want to share?
The upcoming big project features 47 artworks, including paintings and sculptures. The project will be accompanied by a book, along with a video that aims to demonstrate our (my and my team’s) creative process.