Edson Chagas
Côte d'Ivoire | Painting, Sculpture
Abstract works that draw on African traditions, exploring themes of spirituality and cultural heritage.
Exhibitions
"Edson Chagas: Found Not Taken"
2013 - Venice Biennale, Angola Pavilion, Venice, Italy
This exhibition, part of Angola’s pavilion at the 55th Venice Biennale, won the Golden Lion for Best National Participation. The series Found Not Taken featured photographs of discarded objects in urban spaces, reflecting on consumerism, displacement, and the relationship between objects and their environments.
"Edson Chagas: Luanda, Encyclopedic City"
2013 - Venice Biennale, Venice, Italy
This exhibition was a part of the larger Encyclopedic Palace at the Venice Biennale, where Chagas’ work explored the urban environment of Luanda through photography, contributing to Angola’s recognition at the Biennale.
"Recent Histories: Contemporary African Photography and Video Art"
2017 - Huis Marseille Museum for Photography, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Group exhibition where Chagas’s work was featured alongside other contemporary African photographers. The exhibition focused on issues of identity, urbanization, and the socio-political landscape of modern Africa.
"Edson Chagas: The Geography of Affinities"
2018 - Galeria Filomena Soares, Lisbon, Portugal
A solo exhibition that expanded on Chagas’ exploration of urban environments and identity, featuring works that juxtapose traditional and contemporary African life, reflecting on the complexities of modern African cities.
"Africa. Raccontare un mondo"
2017 - PAC Padiglione d’Arte Contemporanea, Milan, Italy
Group exhibition where Chagas’s work was included as part of a broader examination of contemporary African art. His contributions highlighted the intersections of African identity, migration, and urban life.
"Photography and the Urban Experience"
2014 - Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Group exhibition that included Chagas’s photography series, focusing on the representation of urban spaces and the way they shape human experiences. His work was noted for its nuanced portrayal of African cities and their dynamic environments.