Afrikanizm Art and Paulo Formiga Honour António Mota at Doing Business Angola

Forbes África Lusófona Honours António Mota with a Unique Artwork from Afrikanizm

At the prestigious Doing Business Angola event, Forbes África Lusófona paid tribute to António Mota, recognising him as a key Lusophone figure for his longstanding contributions to Angola’s economy and infrastructure.

In celebration of this honour, Forbes commissioned a bespoke artwork from Afrikanizm Art, an influential platform dedicated to contemporary African art. The result was Curiosity, a captivating mixed media painting by Paulo Formiga, a Portuguese-Angolan artist known for his bold visual language and culturally rooted symbolism.

Presented in António Mota’s absence to his son, Manuel Mota, the painting explores the themes of persistence, transformation, and deep connection to place. According to Manuel’s speech, the piece reflects his father's unwavering dedication to Angola: “Our grandfather said if we ever close a door, the last light to go off would be in Cabinda…”

Curiosity showcases Formiga’s signature style — layers of colour and organic movement — symbolising energy, resilience, and the inquisitive nature required to build legacies that endure. The gesture also reinforces Afrikanizm’s role in building bridges between the corporate world and contemporary African creativity, highlighting how art can commemorate leadership and legacy in meaningful, visual terms.

By honouring António Mota with this work, Forbes not only celebrated his business trajectory, but also positioned contemporary African art — and artists like Paulo Formiga — at the centre of cross-cultural recognition and tribute.

Sources:

• Forbes África Lusófona – António Mota homenageado no evento Doing Business Angola

• Afrikanizm Art internal documentation

• Paulo Formiga artist dossier