Coana
Republic of Mozambique, 1987
Artist's works
Artist Profile
Mother's Hug
Introduction and Experience
Coana (b. 1987, Mozambique) is a prominent contemporary artist whose multidisciplinary practice spans painting, street art, and large-scale public installations. Drawing inspiration from daily life and vibrant, dynamic color, his work explores themes of social transformation, resilience, and community empowerment. Notable projects include Story of Matola, a monumental mural for the Matola Municipal Building, and the ongoing Bring Back Maputo initiative, which revitalizes urban spaces through art that promotes inclusion and social opportunity.
Raised in Manhiça during the aftermath of civil war, Coana seamlessly integrates social engagement into his practice, channeling a portion of his artistic proceeds toward rural development projects. He studied at the China Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) and holds a Master’s degree in International Finance from the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) in Beijing. His works are held in international collections, including the National Museum of Arts in Maputo and 798 Art District in Beijing. Fluent in English, Portuguese, and Mandarin, Coana continues to bridge artistic vision with meaningful social impact.
Exhibitions and Awards
Selected Exhibitions
Solo Exhibition
2019
Expo Transcending —Maputo city Mall, Maputo, Mozambique
2015
Symphony of Cultures —Kempinski hotel, Beijing, China
2010
The Girl of Oranges —Maputo, Mozambique
2007
Rising Hope —Mozambican Association of Photography, Maputo, Mozambique
Colored Africa —Colors of Joy Gallery, Beijing 798, China
2005
The Moon of Yesterday —Maputo, Mozambique
Behind the Canvas —Newtown Johannesburg, South Africa
Group Exhibition
2020
Live art painting to support victims of terrorism in Cabo Delegado and Curated Expo KuImbondi—Galeria Porto de Maputo, Maputo, Mozambique
2017
Annual Expo—National Museum of Arts Maputo, Maputo, Mozambique
2012
Inspiring Artists —Fox Gallery, Shanghai, China
2008
Inspiring Artists Group Show —Colors of Joy Gallery, Beijing 798, China
2006
Africa – China Young Artists Exhibition —Colors of Joy Art Gallery, Beijing 798, China
2004
Expo Annual Musart 2004 —National Art Museum, Maputo, Mozambique
2003
Young Artists from Portuguese Speaking Countries—Camoes Institute Exhibition Hall, Maputo, Mozambique
World Youth Arts Expo—Finland
Brazil Cultural Centre Annual Art Show—Brazil Cultural Centre, Maputo, Mozambique
2002
Expo Annual Musart 2002 —National Art Museum, Maputo, Mozambique
Art Fairs
2011 – 2014
Art Revolution Taipei (A.R.T.)—Taipei, Taiwan
2005
New York Art Expo 05—Jacob K. Javits Convention Centre, New York, USA
2004
Descoberta Art Fair—Brazil Cultural Centre, Maputo, Mozambique
Awards
2019
StartUpper of the Year by TOTAL Mozambique—Maputo, Mozambique
2007
National Mural Painting Award—PSI Jeito Mozambique, Maputo, Mozambique
2005
Expo Momentum Mural Paintings Award—Alto Maé, Maputo, Mozambique
2004
UNESCO Art on Human Rights Award Winner—UNESCO Mozambique Headquarters, Maputo, Mozambique
Collections
Museums & Institutional Collections
National Art Museum of Mozambique—Maputo, Mozambique
Private Collections
Works are held in private collections in Taiwan, USA, Mozambique, South Africa, Finland, China, and others.