Wilson Belas | Contemporary Art, Mixed Media & Assemblage – Page 3

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"From iron sheets to banknotes, I develop unique works that refer to my childhood memories."

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Wilson Bellas

Wilson de Oliveira Belas (b. 1993, Luanda) is a contemporary Angolan visual artist whose work is rooted in transformation — both material and personal. A self-taught painter whose talent emerged at the age of ten, Wilson's creative journey evolved from early sketches into a mature artistic language shaped by found materials, urban textures, and deep engagement with Angolan identity.

A defining chapter of his artistic development came through mentorships with two of Angola’s most prominent visual artists: Nelo Teixeira, who introduced him to the aesthetic and conceptual potential of recycled materials, and António Ole, with whom he continues to collaborate today. These relationships helped Belas refine his techniques and deepen his understanding of contemporary art practices rooted in African experience.

Working with objects such as discarded iron, plates, and plastics, Belas reimagines what is forgotten — crafting pieces that speak to memory, environment, and cultural resilience. His artistic path is also marked by his contributions to major projects including Observatory of the Senses, Kaluanda Spirit, Venice Biennale, and 50 Years of Career, where he played a key role as artistic assistant.

Blending tactile experimentation with conceptual rigor, Wilson Belas stands as a rising voice in Angolan art, reshaping everyday materials into reflections of place, time, and transformation.

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