António “Thó” Simões was born in Malanje in 1973. He claims that he is neither a painter nor a plastic artist – he denies any labels that limit his intentions.
Simões paints, makes collages, creates urban and digital art, performances, installations, movies and photography, but the work does not follow a component or trend that clearly identifies a particular style.
© Murais da Leba
“Perhaps the easiest thing would be to say that I am only an artist.”
DOCUMENTARY – “AS CORES DA SERPENTE”
Documentary “As Cores da Serpente” by the Brazilian director Juca Badaró premiered on March 21 in the State of São Paulo, with the presence of the artist Thó Simões and the project’s mentor, Vladimir Prata.The beginning in arts took place in the National Union of Plastic Artists (UNAP) and later in the Institute of Artistic and Cultural Training (INFAC), where he graduated.
He is a born researcher, curious by nature. The magnetism that Africa and Angola exert in his work are undeniable, as well as the many places he has visited in the world.
© Harby Jazz
To express these affections, he sometimes uses influences from modern or traditional art, such as Tchokwé ethnic art or inspirations from the tribe of Mumuílas; now, he uses abstract art. It is often seen on the streets of Luanda, whether exposing work, observing or simply drinking the life that flows around it.
Today, he also embraces socio-cultural and environmental projects – graffiti in Elinga Theatre, against its destruction, does not leave anyone indifferent. Son of the first generation of post-independence artists, the passing of knowledge and techniques is essential for Thó, who recalls a difficult time for young artists entering the world of art.
© Grafitti
With his eyes always on the future and his sleeves rolled up, Simões completed the celebrated mural project of Leba, in 6000m2 of wall in the provinces of Namibe and Huíla, encompassing Angolan and international artists, primary and secondary school students, in urban art.
In Camões / Centro Cultural Português (Angola), he inaugurated his latest painting, installation and performance work, called CONGOLÂNDIA – Multiverses in Disenchantment.
© Thó Simões
The exhibition CONGOLÂNDIA reflects the practice and growth of Thó Simões in the last five years and explores the performative gesture of his graffiti work. However, it goes further by assuming the performance as the work itself.
This work is developed around a speech about power, being able, therefore, to assume itself as a social critique, in which the spectator is involved, becoming part of the work itself.
© Mumuila girl
Recently, his signature was present, across borders, at the Exchange event in the Netherlands (Schiedam), alongside the Dutch artist Lawrence Kwakey, where they presented works in various disciplines and also participated in the #fotofestivalschiedam with the theme Re: Search.
