Today, I present to you the artist Manuela Madeira with whom I had a truly inspiring phone conversation. Her warmth and passion for her craft were palpable as she shared her journey — from Mozambique to Ireland — and her artistic explorations in painting and ceramics. Manuela’s art is not only deeply personal but also profoundly universal, reflecting themes of identity, resilience, and peace. Meeting.
Originally from Mozambique and now based in Dungarvan, County Waterford, near Cork, in Ireland with her family, Manuela is a remarkable Irish-Mozambican artist. Her work spans painting and ceramics, with a focus on portraits and figurative art rendered in oils and inks on gesso panels and canvas. She describes her practice as deeply physical, therapeutic, and expressive. It's tangible and touchable, she says, referencing the figurines she created during peace marches — delicate women figures, embodying strength and hope, because that's what she knows best, that's who she is.
Her journey into art is intricately tied to her past. Born in Mozambique, a country that gained independence in 1975, Manuela recalls the freedom she always felt to draw. After school, she pursued art courses and was constantly inspired by her readings and research, even while studying social anthropology in Manchester. Sailing with her husband brought her closer to the shifting colors of water and intensified her need to create. Photography often captured these fleeting moments, but painting became the urgent outlet for her expressions.
One of her notable works, "Echo", features a single woman gazing directly at the viewer, surrounded by many others. It’s a powerful symbol, with Muslim women and a white flag for peace woven into the narrative. The message is « I see you », she explains, inviting the audience to reflect. The intensity of her colors contrasts sharply with the purity of white,
emphasizing the layered meaning behind her art: there is always more beneath the surface.
Manuela is also an active member of the artistic community. She co-founded the Irish Art Collective Eisil Contemporary, where she served as co-chair. She’s part of the Mór Artists Collective and contributes to the Nua Collective’s Visual Arts Exhibition platform. Her work has been showcased in solo exhibitions across Ireland, Mozambique, Germany, and the
United States, and group shows in Italy, France, Belgium, and beyond.In addition to her artistic achievements, Manuela holds two master’s degrees: one in Art & Process from MTU Crawford College of Art & Design in Cork, and another in Social Anthropology from the University of Manchester. Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledges the evolving process of becoming an artist. Now, she considers herself an artist, she says, but it took me time.
Manuela’s art is a bridge between her rich personal history and the universal themes of humanity and connection. Through her vibrant colors, symbolic compositions, and dedication to peace, she offers a unique perspective that invites reflection and dialogue. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and the enduring need to create beauty in the face of life’s complexities. Manuela’s work continues to inspire, leaving an indelible mark on those who experience it.
Author : Marie Bagi, docteure en Histoire de l’art contemporain et Philosophie
Published February, 2nd, 2025