Nushei's story

I am an artist living in Uxbridge, who grew up in Hayes, of Mozambican Portuguese heritage. During summer, I'd go to Portugal with my parents where they sold African Artefacts. I've carried those memories and inspiration of that craftsmanship with me ever since - from drawing at the back of class, hoping to impress fellow students, to creating man-sized statement artworks for galleries and homes.  

In 2019, I began a new project: Love Conquers All - characterising the expression of love against masked personas. By lockdown 2020, this grew and with all that was going on in the world, it was great to develop the idea even further. Along the way, pieces that didn't quite fit in the collection were given to local homeless charity Trinity, to offer in their second-hand furniture shop in Uxbridge. This is a cause I've supported before, bringing art, as well as much-needed furniture, into homes for the homeless. Determined to share art with more people in the borough, I reached out to Hillingdon Council, and discovered the Hillingdon Stories project, run by the borough's museum and theatre service. 

Through sharing my stories, perspectives and values in my work, I believe life only has meaning when lived with purpose - that art can bring understanding of each other's circumstances, and so more love into the world. The comical illustrations I loved as a child, growing up in Hayes, have inspired me to produce this collection: Love Conquers All, and inevitably carries my experience of this place and time.