In 2024, I returned to São Tomé, where I had previously undertaken research into how histories of colonization contributed to the erosion of cultural expressions and identities, and to enduring forms of social inequality.

Together with the children of Santana, a fishing village on the island’s eastern coast, the project O Mundo Imaginário (The Imaginary Realm) took shape. It was later presented at the 10th Biennale of Art and Culture of São Tomé and Príncipe, [Re]Discovering Ourselves.
We created a space in which the children brought forward and shared the Santomean game of tabúa. Traditionally played by boys along the shoreline, in this collective process it was also embraced by girls. The children crafted new boards themselves and guided the girls in learning the game.
At the Biennale, a board made by the children was presented alongside my paintings. The board stood as a symbol of Santomean identity and a gesture of restoration, while the paintings imagine possible futures.