Augustino Mpochogo

Mpochogo is born in the village Mangaka, 10 km West of Masasi in South Tanzania in 1974. He is of Makua tribe but not from the Tinga Tinga family. When he came to Dar es Salaam he worked first as a security guard but his older brother Saidi Paulo convinced him to leave the job and become a professional painter.

On the question why he paints he answers: “ I paint in order to sell the paintings and get money to sustain my family”. When enquired if he ever breathes some ideas or messages into his paintings he says that he shows through his painting the unity between the animals which is reflected in the repetitive pattern of animals on his paintings. He fills the paintings with Kanga birds, with hippos etc. The animals don’t mix with other animals and that´s why they are only one kind of animals on his paintings.

He has still not participated on any exhibition and he is not aware if any of his paintings were already displayed to public. Despite it his paintings are very popular since they are quickly sold. He has never felt sad about selling his paintings. He has never kept any painting for himself. He put instead a painting of masai by Mr.Spasio on his wall at home.

Mpochogo has painted for 5 years and he is satisfied with being a painter. He has been economically so successful that he is building a new house only from income generated by his profession as artist. He has no other plans for future, he wants to continue as a painter.

Mpochogo knows that many of his previous paintings are popular but still try to find new designs. When asked why he doesn´t stick to the “proofed” designs which sells well he answers:” I try to find new designs so that my old customers come back and see something new”. He paints in Tinga tinga style simply because his teacher taught him the Tinga Tinga style.

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