ABOUT
Atelier Bantu Giant was founded by the Congolese and Angolan-Swedish Artist Vubu Sara Mendes in 2024. Born and raised in Stockholm, Mendes developed an affinity for arts, design, and fashion at a young age. It all began when her mom, drawing quirky faces on a piece of paper while on the phone with her friends, piqued her fascination, leading Sara to start drawing similar faces. Fast forward, she ended up in a Design School studying fashion, art, and textile.
Today, she has working experience as a Graphic Designer, undertaking tailor work for big names such as Beyoncé and The Weeknd, and currently finds herself based in Switzerland, working for HUGO BOSS as a Creative Technical Product Developer. But one thing about Sara: she never stopped drawing these quirky faces in her artistic way, now running Atelier Bantu Giant on her laptop and iPad. It's a place where she escapes to create. Mendes draws inspiration from African culture and her mother, creating digital art that celebrates her heritage as a proud Bantu African.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Growing up in a African household filled with rich culture and art has had a huge impact on me. Watching my parents dress boldly in traditional hairstyles and big jewelry for different occasions made me proud of our Bantu heritage. As a child, I loved seeing my mom draw quirky faces while talking on the phone. It fascinated me and sparked my interest in drawing. Over time, this passion grew into a love for art and fashion
Creating art is my escape and where I feel truly free. It's a form of self expression and stay grounded. I see myself as multi-creative and find ways to create in different mediums. The mediums I identify with currently are digital art, pattern making and sewing. My biggest inspirations are my mother, my culture, and my surroundings. Creating art isn’t just something I do—it’s what I live for.
EXBHITION
2024
2024
Art Basel Summer Camp, curated by Monica Ray Scott, Hyde in Basel, Switzerland
Muanzi Afro Market, curated by Muanzi, D Halle Zürich Altsetten, Switzerland
