Land of shepherds

“Thó Simões paints, makes collages, creates urban and digital art, performances, installations, films and photographs, but the work ‘does not obey any one component or trend that allows the clear identification of a certain style. Perhaps it would be easiest to say that I am just an artist’.” “His journey in art began in the National Union of Plastic Artists (UNAP) and continued in the Institute for Artistic and Culture Studies (INFAC), where he learnt his craft. He is a born researcher, curious by nature. The magnetism that Africa and Angola exert in his work is undeniable, but not only that – ‘(...) also what happens around me, in the world, and the places I visit, serve as the starting point for my projects and creations’.” “I’ve always tried to avoid labels. I wanted to be completely free to create my own stuff. I’ve tried everything. I learned photography, sculpture, clay carving and painting (I had excellent teachers). As an art director in an advertising agency, I’ve also learned many other techniques and creation process. I had the chance to exhibit my works on several occasions over the years, but I always felt it wasn’t the right moment. Something was still missing. Now I know the time has come, I’m at my best”.