Artist Bio

Belmiro Antonio Jemusse, also known in the art world as Jemmiro, born on March 16, 1976 in Mozambique

2003 – Belmiro made the decision to become a full- time artist and moved to South Africa to practice and to escape what he describes as “limitations in Mozambique” art scene at the time.

2004 – 2005 – Attended a part time basic course in drawing and painting at Penryn College in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. And participated in a number of art fairs that took place in Nelspruit include Innibos Art Festival and “The Mall Wall”

2006 – 2008 – Enrolled as a full-time student at Artist Proof Studio, Johannesburg, in order to complete a printmaking course. The course covered all aspects of printmaking: etching, mono-prints, paper litho, silkscreen, linocut, dry point, etc.

2007 – Held his first solo exhibition “Portraying Africa Back to the Future” at Spaza Art Gallery, Troyeville, Johannesburg.

Belmiro participated in a number of other group exhibitions while studying, both in South Africa and Mozambique.

2009 – Moved to Humansdorp, a coastal town 18km from where the legendary “Endless summer” movie was shot in St Francis Bay and Jeffrey’s Bay, in the Eastern Cape. Meets fellow artist, art teacher and mentor, Alecia Chaput, in St Francis Bay who said of him: “I have such confidence in Belmiro, both as an artist, and a beautiful human being; bust with compassion; an aspect which I believe is reflected in his work; so refreshing! I have been blessed to have had the privilege to have been associated with Belmiro; he has been such an inspiration to me and my students; His talent and humility is so humbling.”

In September of that year held his second solo exhibition entitled “Fragments”, at Artist Proof Studio in Johannesburg.

2010 – Goes back to Mozambique, where he was appointed to be part of the board of directors at “Nucleo de Arte” (Senior Artist Association in Maputo, operating since 1921).

With 7 other artists cofounded Veleiro Arts Gallery and Atelier (an artistic space in Maputo operating since 2010).

Gave art Classes at Nucleo de Arte as well as at Veleiro Arts Gallery & Atelier in a co-hosted Program – Nucleo de Arte and Veleiro Arts joined effort for the purpose.

2012 – Moves back to Johannesburg where he dedicated his time and effort producing a new series of works entitled: “Under the Moonlight” which culminated with a Solo art exhibition – a series of charcoal drawings portraying a time in his childhood. In this series he tries to capture his memories of what went on under the moonlight during those days which he describes as being some of the most remarkable of his life.

Participated in three group exhibitions in Johannesburg:

• Two at The White House Gallery, Illovo, featuring some of his drawings from the “Under the MoonLight” series.
• Bamboo, Melville participated in a group exhibition entitled “Images of Women”.

In October held a Solo Exhibition entitled “Under the Moonlight”, in Atholl, Johannesburg.

2013 – Participated in two group exhibitions under Bataki Kollective at Constitution Hill (an artist collective where he was a cofounder and member of the board of directors);

He became part of the Jo’burg Postcard Revival Project, which was launched on 16th May 2013 with the exhibition of the original large-scale artworks and the postcards prints.

2015 – Had his 4th solo exhibition entitled “Propagation’ which took place at MB Studio Gallery, Da Vince Hotel, in Sandton, Johannesburg.

2017 – 2018 – Was in Maputo to establish an art school designed to empower young and talented aspiring artists, but because of limitations he faced to carry on the project, in May 2019 he returned to Johannesburg where is currently based, worked from a studio at August House Studios, 76 End Street.

2023 – Joined Jeleni & Phindi art Gallery and Studios to help establish an artist development platform.

Belmiro featured in many other group exhibitions in Johannesburg as well as abroad, and also curated exhibitions in Johannesburg and in Maputo.

His artworks have been sold to collectors across South Africa, Mozambique, US, Australia, German, UK, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Dubai, France and many other countries.