Thrones by Goncalo Mabunda

Mozambican artist, Gonçalo Mabunda, creates thrones and masks. And through these, he personifies the power and influence artists and their work can have on real-life social and political issues.

Mabunda’s thrones keep us remembering the gruelling, destructive 16-year civil war which Mozambique went through until 1992. His creations keep this history in our thoughts and reminds us to never forget, so that we can learn and not repeat. He does this by using the weapons of war, such as pistols, rocket launchers and many others, to craft the thrones and masks.

But even as he showcases these objects of violence, he brings us rays of hope by bringing these totems of war together to create something beautiful - the thrones. The powerful symbols these pose also help us remember that power should not be misused - it’s instead, a privilege to be used for a better and stronger nation. What do you think?

See more from Gonçalo Mabunda here