AuthorJackie Prager, CNN
Mozambique Maputo, his workshop at photographer Mario Surrounded by his images in, Mozambique adjusts the contrast of recently taken photographs. A simple yet striking image shows a powdered boy participating in a traditional religious ritual. Mashirau seeks a delicate balance between black and white in photography, shedding light on those who live in the shadows of society.
Visual artists travel their home countries and capture images of social and environmental issues. For Mashirau, photography is "a very important tool for making a positive impact on the world," "about people's way of thinking, people's views, judgments, and stereotyping of a particular culture." He said. ""
Macilau, 38, uses his skills to question every aspect of society. The focus of his long-term project is on the preservation of the country's ancient religious ceremonies, and the living reality of marginalized groups, from portraying how colonialism influenced Mozambique's architecture. It extends to.
"We need to archive the social values we have," he said. "For the next generation, they need to know where they are coming from, so they can know where they are heading."
Mashirau Art is exhibited around the world, including group and solo exhibitions in Lisbon, London and New York City. As a child, he lived on the streets of Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, for several years and worked to financially support his family before becoming an award-winning photographer.
Behind the lens with Mozambique photographer Mário Macilau
He discovered his passion for photography at the age of 14. I say I did. , The photo was a toy. That made me happy. He did not begin pursuing art forms as his profession until Mashirau decided to replace his mother's cell phone with a camera.
"Grow in the Dark"
"My idea was to give them a different perspective ... how they live, where they live, where they sleep," says Mashirau. I did.
Mario Masilau (right) talks to a man he took while riding a motorcycle in Mozambique. Credits:CNN
Before filming the series, he spent time getting to know the kids. He says he gained their confidence so that he could become "invisible" and capture their real daily life.
"We need to build trust with people," he added. "I need to tell you why. Why shoot them, why this project is important to you and your creativity?"
"I want people to see my work, but the first thing they have to find is beauty," he says, with a clear black-and-white contrast in the photo. People who explained how they believe it helps to use "understand it more easily, and ... they don't forget the pictures." Inspired by Mozambique's heritage and his personal experience,
Mashirau uses his photographs to uncover the challenges of our society and help make the world a better place. Say you feel.
"I'm trying to show people around me that there's space for everyone," he said.
