Ed Cross is pleased to present On Faith, a solo show of work by award-winning photographer Mário Macilau (b. 1984, Maputo, Mozambique) at its Garrett Street gallery from 15 June – 5 August 2023.
The exhibition will show photographs from Macilau’s ongoing Faith series, documenting the practice of animism (the belief that everything has a soul or spirit) within traditional religions in contemporary Mozambique.
One of the leading figures of a new generation of artists from Mozambique, Macilau was recently announced as the winner of the 31st edition of the prestigious Roger Pic Prize for his Faith series.
Macilau specialises in long-term photography projects and series that address the complex realities of human labour and environmental conditions. Macilau started his journey as a photographer in 2003 from the streets of Maputo, becoming professional when he traded his mother's cell phone for his first camera in 2007.
Best known for his photographic work, Macilau’s multidisciplinary practice is characterised by his unique choice of subjects and ability to connect with them. Often using portraiture as his starting point, Macilau’s practice strives to unlock broader perspectives on specific issues. For the artist, photography has the power to reveal stark truths about life, encouraging the development of a social conscience as well as awareness of difficult circumstances in Mozambique and beyond.
Ed Cross says “I first bumped in to Mario in a corridor in Nairobi in 2009 and not long after that we started working together. As such, it means a lot to me personally to see him begin to get the global recognition that he so richly deserves. If you’re ever feeling jaded by the art world, spend some time looking at Macilau’s photographs. His own personal story is extraordinary and inspiring, but it is his timeless and humbling photographs that linger in the mind.”
Mário Macilau (b. 1984, Mozambique) lives in Maputo, Mozambique. Selected exhibitions include: Songs of the Present, Musée de la Photographie de Saint Louis, Senegal (2018); Afrique Capitales, La Villette, Paris (2017); Pavilion of the Holy See, 56th Venice Biennale (2015); Making Africa, Vitra Museum, Weil am Rhein (2015); Discovery Show, Fotofestiwal Łódź, Poland (2015); Pangaea: Art from Africa and Latin America, Saatchi Gallery, London (2014); The African Art Auction, Bonhams, London (2013); Recontres Picha, Bienalle de Lubumbashi (2013), The Biennale Arts Actuels, Saint-Denis, Réunion (2013); Pan-African Exhibition, Recontres de Bamako: Biennale of African Photography, Mali (2011); VI Chobi Mela Photo Festival, Dhaka, Bangladesh (2011); and Lagos Photo, Nigeria (2011). Macilau won the Roger Pic Award 2023, was shortlisted for the 2019 Mast Award, a finalist of the Unicef Photo of the Year in 2009, and the Greenpeace Photo Award 2016, and is in the permanent collection of the Pompidou Centre.
Macilau is the winner of the Roger Pic prize 2023 for his series Faith and received a special mention in the Quai Branly Museum Prize 2022. His work will feature in Tate Modern's upcoming group show A World in Common, opening summer 2023.
