Studio Tour
The Studio of Bertina Lopes (1924-2012)
Widely celebrated as the mother of contemporary African painting, Mozambican-Italian artist Bertina Lopes (1924-2012) was one of the earliest pioneers to bridge the gap between African and European art.
The Studio of Bertina Lopes (1924-2012), an online sale from 4-20 June on bonhams.com, presents a selection of 74 oil paintings, drawings and sculptures from the artist’s studio in Rome that has been virtually untouched since her death.
“The life of Bertina Lopes is one of the greatest stories in contemporary art and politics. Her vibrant paintings reflect a double identity, resulting in an unusual abstract construction, often mixed with found materials. Lopes is a celebrated as cultural symbol of Mozambique, representing the country in numerous official exhibitions worldwide as well as receiving awards and citations for her role in promoting both art and peace. This sale, sold on behalf of the artist’s estate and featuring works by the artist from her studio, which has been left virtually untouched since Lopes’ death, presents a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire a piece of this historical legacy."
— Helene Love-Allotey, Bonhams’ Head of Sale
Portrait of Bertina Lopes
Portrait of Bertina Lopes
Born under colonialism in Mozambique to Portuguese-Mozambican parents, Bertina Lopes completed her studies in Lisbon and returned to Maputo in 1953 as an artist and teacher. In Maputo, she forged close friendships with poets, writers, and political activists who were fundamental in forming her anti-colonial anti-fascist beliefs. Lopes’ activism forced her to leave Mozambique in 1961, returning to Lisbon to continue her artistic work. Prosecuted by the PIDE (Portuguese International and State Defence Police), she fled Portugal for Rome only two years later.
Despite facing difficulties as an African artist in Italy, Lopes filled a vital role in the capital, serving as the cultural attaché of her country's Embassy. Lopes’ studio on Via XX Settembre where she lived and worked became famous for the dinners hosted by the artist and her husband Francesco Confaloni. The studio became a modern-day salon for African and European diplomats, journalists, and intellectuals. Here, she befriended many of the protagonists of the Italian art scene, including Marino Marini, Renato Guttuso, Carlo Levi and Antonio Scordia, as well as critics and museum directors.
With her Rome studio as her home-base, Lopes’ political militancy continued throughout her entire career. It was thanks to her close friendships with Mozambique presidents Joaquim Chissano and Armando Guebuza and with the opposing military factions of the Frelino e Renamo movements that she was able to facilitate mediation (alongside the Roman Catholic lay organization “Community di Sant’Egidio” and the United Nations) for the peace accords in 1992, ending 15 years of civil war in Mozambique.
Built with Shorthand