Absa Bank Moçambique opened the exhibitions "Algoritmo da Descontinuação", by Marcos Pfuka, in Maputo, "Traços e Carvão", by Hotélio Ernesto, in Beira and "Amor e Eventos", by Madamudje Marqueza, in Nampula, at the Premier branches in these cities.

The exhibitions are part of the Ready For Art program, as part of the bank's commitment to promoting national art and culture.

The program was born as a result of the "Absa Gallery" competition, an innovative initiative that seeks to identify new talents in different expressions of contemporary art, launched at the end of 2023.

The aim is to empower young artists and project them as an example of social inclusion, while at the same time helping to raise awareness among everyone.

In the month dedicated to the environment, Marcos Pfuka, in "Algoritmo da Descontinuação", calls for a change in attitudes and lifestyle habits. The work is an invitation to reflection and action, in partnership with the Maputo National Park, which aims to raise awareness about the preservation of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and with the metal alloy company Limetal, which demonstrates how it is possible to invest in the reuse of ferrous and non-ferrous materials as a way of preserving the environment.

In "Love and Events", Madamudje Marqueza portrays the human experience, highlighting passion, courage and emotion. With meticulous attention to detail, the artist highlights the constant battles, passions, fantasies of platonic love and survival.

In Beira, in "Traces and Charcoal", Hotélio Ernesto presents a series of drawings collected from 2019 to 2024, characterized by a realistic and hyper-realistic approach, meticulously created with graphite pencil and charcoal on paper.

The artist explores everyday themes, where each work conveys philosophies and poetry through detailed facial expressions, capturing the essence and depth of the human condition.

Through the works of these talented artists, the bank's shop windows tell stories that reflect the creative and resilient soul of the Mozambican people, values with which Absa Bank Moçambique identifies.

"We remain steadfast in our aim to provide a space where art can be admired and where artists can find a platform to boost both their works and their careers, promoting sustainability and the continued recognition of their talent. We therefore invite all lovers and appreciators of art to visit these exhibitions, which will be open for three months," said Tânia Oliveira, Head of Marketing and Corporate Relations.

The young artists took the opportunity to congratulate the program Ready For Art for the positive effects on their careers.

"When my participation in the Ready for Art project was confirmed, I had some doubts because I couldn't imagine what it would be like, but I was positively surprised by a training plan that was simple but appropriate for the motivation and development of the arts in Mozambique. I congratulate Absa for awakening and supporting art," said Marcos Pfuka.

"I've been working for years to have my own solo exhibition, and Absa gave me the opportunity to take part in this show, which I've embraced with enthusiasm. That's why I've selected what I consider to be the best works from my collection. I strongly believe that I will add more experience to this exhibition," said Hotélio Ernesto.

In the opinion of the artist Madamudje Marqueza, the exhibition opens up the possibility of having a significant reach of his work.

"Taking part in Ready for Art is an opportunity I wasn't expecting. I'm happy to consolidate the theoretical and practical knowledge I've learned as part of this project. I thank Absa for this encouraging initiative for artists to contribute to Mozambican arts and culture. With my exhibition at Absa I've gained more visibility on social networks, as well as widening the range of buyers of my works and my expectation is to expand nationally and internationally. This exhibition is in line with my goal of growing in the art world," he reiterated.

Mateus Sithole is the project's curator, a Mozambican artist whose growth has inspired many other artists.

In 2022, she had the opportunity to exhibit in the windows of Absa Premier, an experience that transformed her career and changed her life. This exhibition not only increased her visibility and recognition in the art world, but also opened doors to new opportunities, marking a significant turning point in her evolution as an artist.

The exhibitions will be displayed in branch windows until the end of August 2024.