Dila Moniz

Born 1974 in Angola, after the Carnation Revolution (Revoluo do Cravos) that ended Portugal's colonial empire, and shortly before the independence of Angola. The first african experience (months only) was interrupted by the sudden departure along with thousands of people, once the civil war erupted. Unlike the great majority, the "return" to Portugal didn't take place, instead her family left to more similar nice and warm Brazil. The staying there shaped her entire first childhood. But by 1980 she left the southern hemisphere and arrived to her third geographic address - Portugal. At first, the somewhat strange ways and cold winters were difficult, but the other half of european heritage allowed her to become who she is today, without forsaking the african roots, or the various realities of the world

ARTWORK
The intercultural crossroad between Portugal, Africa and Brazil has been a milestone for her self-acknowledgement and the way her creativity has evolved. Journeys to Porto, London, Cape Verde and the return to Angola were key moments for her creative development.
Pursuing the true beauty of things and people, despite all the misery and pain, is her objective in painting. Not messing with complicated concepts or mis...

EDUCATION
Since early years she discovered the pleasure of drawing and painting and anything related to manual and creative works. Her mother always had a harsh and demanding eye - if not perfect, try again. That was the beggining and way she works.
Attended Painting at ESAD (School of Arts & Design), in Caldas da Rainha.

PREVIOUS EXHIBITIONS
Collective exhibitions (1993, 1994, 2000 and 2005)
Individual exhibitions (1997, 2002 and 2007),