How a Mozambican artist transforms the instruments of civil war into symbols of peace
In short: Born in 1975, Gonçalo Mabunda turns deactivated Kalashnikovs, pistols, and rocket launchers into haunting anthropomorphic figures and thrones. By repurposing the tools of a brutal twenty-year conflict into art, he challenges the absurdity of violence and honors the million lives lost in his home country's struggle for stability.
Gonçalo Mabunda’s artistic practice emerged from a transformative initiative launched in 1995 by the Christian Council of Mozambique. Known as 'Transforming Guns into Hopes,' the project sought to cleanse the nation of the remnants of a devastating civil war by collecting weapons from individuals and communities. To date, approximately 800,000 weapons have been recovered. Rather than simply destroying every piece, the project deactivates select items and provides them to artists like Mabunda, who reassemble the metal into masks, thrones, and life-sized figures.
The inspiration for this work is rooted in the biblical prophecy from the book of Micah, which envisions swords being hammered into ploughshares. Mabunda’s creations, which have been compared to the modernist styles of Picasso and Braque, serve as a visceral commentary on power. His thrones, in particular, are designed to mock the traditional reliance on weaponry as a foundation for authority. By crafting these objects, Mabunda attempts to turn death into life, creating a visual language that advocates for the prevention of future violence through artistic expression.
Mabunda’s work has gained significant international recognition, appearing in prestigious venues ranging from the Centre Pompidou in Paris to the Venice Biennale. His influence extends into political and philanthropic spheres; he was commissioned by former US President Bill Clinton to create trophies for the Clinton Global Initiative, and his pieces have been exhibited at the European Parliament to support conflict prevention efforts. Despite his global acclaim, his work remains deeply personal, as he lost relatives during the 16-year conflict that defined his country's recent history.
The artist’s unique approach to Sub-Saharan African mask-making—using shell casings and gun parts instead of traditional materials—has made his work a subject of intense study and media coverage. From features in French publications like Le Monde to appearances on CNN’s 'Inside Africa,' Mabunda is recognized as both a contemporary artist and an anti-war activist. His work continues to serve as a bridge between the trauma of the past and the hope for a peaceful, aesthetic future.
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