Carlos Carvalho uses a tangle of cryptic shapes in vivid colours to tantalise and intrigue his audience. The larger than life “heads” convey mood and character in a lively and humorous way, setting up a dynamic discourse with the viewer. The imagery is original and innovative.

From an early age Carvalho has been nurtured in a culturally diverse environment. His mother was an accomplished artist and his early childhood spent in Mozambique has had a strong impact on his artistic awareness. The rich colours and bold designs that the people of that country are so fond of and the tropical lushness of the landscape are evoked in his work.

He has worked for many years as an author and artist of comic books,
is an illustrator, has done many portrait commissions in oils, and is also a sculptor.

“I was born and spent my first nine years in Mozambique, and some of my early memories are of tropical lushness, stark contrasts, sea and sand, the sweet fragrance of frangipani blossoms, warm sunshine out of an intensely blue sky, the delicious smells of ripe fruit, tropical thunderstorms, and the strong colours and bold designs that the friendly people of that country are so fond of. My mother was an artist and she reflected in her paintings the elements that defined the place as I remembered it, thereby awaking my awareness so early on in my formative years. “

Schooling in Zimbabwe.

Living in South Africa since 1969.

Studied Architecture for 3 years at the University of Natal.

1973 - 1989
Working in computer industry, progressing from computer operator to analyst/programmer.

Since school carried on doing artwork in various forms as a hobby.

1986
Started doing comics and illustrations part-time.

1987
Began the first of many subsequent portrait commissions in oils.

1989
Decided to leave the computer industry for good and concentrate on a career in art, illustration, cartooning and comic strip stories.

Produced many illustrations and hundreds of comic strip pages for educational publications including the popular series “99 Sharp St.”.

Did some cartooning work, including the pictures for the Barry Ronge column in the Sunday Times magazine.

Wrote and illustrated a children’s story “Kusi’s Red Jeep”.

Wrote and illustrated long-running comic strip stories:-
“The ‘Brow Busters” ran in Weekly Mail for one year.
“Zizi and !Xau” ran in Drum magazine for four years.

Recently decided to dedicate time fully to fine art, which includes the long-term speciality of portrait painting.