Hélio Januário Pene, aka Link is a graphic designer, character designer, illustrator and comic book creator from Mozambique.

He randomly discovered his obsession with illustration and communication design very early. As a kid, Hélio always wanted to retell movies he had just watched on blank paper, feeding his love and passion for art. This led to his jump into the world of science fiction and fantasy where he loves to draw anthropomorphic characters. His love for personifying animals is prominent in his comic projects, F.O.R.C.E and Cocoripolis

I’m a fan of pop culture, illustration (which is a necessity), and venturing into the “fantastic universe” from which I do not wish to return. Telling stories in an illustrated format has become my way of life. As an illustrator, it is a place more than a habitat where I find ways to express myself.

Hélio Januário

Link worked as the illustrator and penciller on Os Informais, the first superhero comic book from Mozambique. The project was by ANIMA Estúdio Criativo where he worked and was an underground response to Black Panther.

Pene was one of the artists included in the collective exhibition “(Des) Construções” during Maputa Fast Forward in 2017 which was his first-ever exhibition. The curators described his work as using sarcasm, irony and humor as vehicles to express his critical view of society, showing Hélio’s multifaceted talent in the use of the tools at his disposal.

We totally agree. Hélio’s art is a delight to behold and one we can’t keep to ourselves.

Enjoy.

Bonus

We feature 10 pieces of art from each artist on Bahari Blue. But sometimes, we can’t help but include a few extras. ?We had to include these extras because of the humour, pop-culture references and just how cool they look.

See more of Helio Januario work on Instagram, Behance, Pinterest and his website.

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Bahari Blue is Squid Mag’s Kadi Yao Tay and Kofi Sydney Asare’s and illustrator Bolaji “Art Nerd X” Olaloye’s scrapbook of favourite African (including the diaspora sometimes) artists they love, are inspired by and believe the whole world needs to know about.

So far we’ve featured Alfred Achiampong, Venus Bambisa, Malcolm Wopé, Simangaliso Sibaya, Kofi Ofosu, Ifesinachi Orjiekwe, Kudzai Ngundu, Salim Busuru, Rodney Tawanda Ngundu, Juni Ba, Poka Arts, Natasha Nayo, Hanson Akattti, Bertil Svanekiaer, Collyde Prime and Nils Britwum. See all the Bahari Blue features here.

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