Boy with Fish II, 2022

Mário Macilau (Mozambique, 1984) is a multidisciplinary artist and activist, best known for his photographic work, and is considered one of the “key figures” among the new generation of Mozambican artists. His photographs explore identity, political issues, and environmental conditions, and he often works with socially marginalized groups to raise his audience’s awareness not only of the many social injustices and inequalities in the world, but also of scenes of humanity, brotherhood, victory, love, and hope—often using portraiture as his starting point, with his approach serving as the key to unlocking a broader perspective.

By 2003, he had taken up photography and spent the early part of his career learning and developing his skills. In 2007, he launched his career as a professional photographer, secretly trading his mother’s cell phone for an excellent Nikon FM2. Within just a few short years, his talent had reached the international stage.