Albano Neves e Sousa

Albano Neves e Sousa (1921 in Matosinhos, Portugal – 1995 in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil) was a Portuguese-Angolan painter, poet, writer and ethnographer. He was born in Portugal, lived in Angola and, after 1975, in Brazil.

Albano Neves e Sousa is considered an important figure in Angolan art history. His work provides a visual record of Angola, depicting its people and landscapes, and is closely connected to the cultures of Angola and Brazil.

Life in Angola

At a young age, he returned to Angola with his family, settling in Andulo in the province of Bié. He was sent to Luanda to attend high school, where he discovered his talent for painting. His testimony contributed to discussions about possible historical connections between n'golo and capoeira, and was cited by some researchers in debates about African influences on the development of capoeira.

Upon returning to Angola in 1966, Neves e Sousa organized an exhibition titled "Da minha África e do Brasil que eu vi" (From My Africa and the Brazil I Saw), highlighting cultural similarities between African and Afro-Brazilian expressions.

Life in Brazil

In 1975, Sousa was commissioned to decorate an Angolan Boeing 737, which led him to travel to the United States. However, the Angolan Civil War started that year, and he moved to Brazil.

Sousa eventually settled in Salvador, Bahia, with his wife, Maria Luisa. There, he found inspiration in the local culture and landscapes. He also authored a book titled "Olohuma," reflecting his experiences in Bahia.

His works continued to be influenced by the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade and the strong African cultural presence in Bahia. Sousa celebrated the similarities and connections between Bahia and Angola, particularly through his art's focus on landscapes, people, customs, and spirituality.