Lobito - The winner of the 2024 National Culture and Arts Prize, in the Plastic Arts category, Joaquim Teixeira, on Saturday in Benguela Province admitted that he was surprised by the distinction.
“I am impressed and very satisfied with the recognition of the hard work that I have carrying out over many years”, he stated.
Joaquim Teixeira, who was speaking to ANGOP, explained that, after a thorough analysis of the works of national artists, the jury was also in the province of Benguela for the same purpose.
The artist with around 40 years of career, revealed that a specialized team from the "Culture and Arts" award visited his studio, where they saw a series of works, many of them finished and others still in progress.
“What was the basis for the recognition of my work was the rigour in the chronology of colours, in order to give shape to the idea that the artist wants to convey to the canvas”, he explained.
Asked about his works, he mentioned some of the best known by the public, such as "Luandino1", which is (being displayed) in Switzerland, Luandino2 and Welwitcha in New York (USA), and Sinistralidade Rodoviária (Road Accidents) at Sol bank.
“Luandino1 shows a fisherman who caught a shark and looks at the sky as a gesture of thanks to God”, he explained.
He also spoke about Road Accidents, drawing attention to society, as it is one of the causes of highest mortality in Angola, after Malaria, according to official sources.
Regarding the execution of his work given the difficulty in acquiring material, he stated that he had the opportunity to be present at two international events, namely in Shanghai, China and New York, United States of America (USA), where he was able to bring some tools.
"It's expensive and quality material, which has supported my work until now," he said.
These are paints, which come in tubes, linseed oil to dilute drying agents, canvases and brushes.
Referring to the reality of visual artists in the province, he stated that they face a lot of difficulties due to the scarcity of material.
"Furthermore, few people appreciate and buy the works, so they become unmotivated," he said.
The National Culture and Arts Prize was established in 2000, with the purpose of rewarding creators in the disciplines of Literature, Cinema and Audio Visual, Visual Arts, Performing Arts and Research in Human and Social Sciences.
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