CURATORIAL TEXT “PROSTUS AND IDENTITY”
From the crossbreeding between Europeans and natives of the African coast, an independent people was born who proudly embraces their Creole identity. Cape Verde's main resource is its people (human beings), the result of a mixture of various cultures, including African and southern European. Cape Verdeans are known for their hospitality, vivacity, “morabeza”, commitment and dedication to work, creativity and above all their strong family tradition. The exhibition Róstus Y Idêntidadi not only portrays unique moments very well captured by its author Kuny Mendes, but also the resilience in the face of all the adversities that Cape Verdeans have had over the years. ;
Author: Adilson Gomes – General Director of Arts and Creative Industries of Cape Verde
KUNY MENDES BIO SHORT
Nilson Mendes, stage name Kuny Mendes, born in Santa Cruz, married father of 3 children, currently residing in Assomada, Cape Verde, founder and head coach of the Escola de Mini Basket de Assomada (EMBA); activist for good socio-cultural and environmental causes, with a strong focus on volunteering and documentary and artistic photography.
In 2009, he was awarded the 1st place prize in the photographic competition, the Importance of Music in Your Life, which took place in the city of Leiria - Portugal. In 2016, in Assomada, Cape Verde, he organized his first solo exhibition, whose theme was Guentis di Santa Katrina. In 2017, in the city of Praia, he had the honor of bringing to the general public the second exhibition with the theme Together for First Infancy, during baby week, in partnership with the Cimpor-Intercement group, and the Praia City Council. In 2018, challenged by the General Directorate of Arts and Creative Industries, he organized his 3rd solo exhibition called Rostús Y Idêntidadi, part of the New Talents Cycle at the Palácio da Cultura Ildo Lobo, city of Praia – Cape Verde, which was also on display during the same year in the municipalities of Tarrafal, Assomada and Tarrafal. In 2019, he participated, with some works from the Róstus Y Idêntidadi collection, in the collective exhibition that opened the Centro Cultural Cabo Verde (CCCV) in Lisbon – Portugal. In 2020, in partnership with Câmara da Moita, district of Setúbal -Portugal, the 6th exhibition of the Rostús Y Idêntidadi Collection was organized at the Alhos Vedros Municipal Library. In 2021, at Cesária Évora Academia de Artes - Praia City, Cape Verde
In 2021, UCLA Collective in Lisbon – Portugal
In 2022, Collective at Expo Dubai 2020 in Dubai.
