António Ole, born in 1951 in Luanda, Angola, is a distinguished figure in the contemporary art scene, known for his multidisciplinary approach that encompasses photography, documentary filmmaking, sculpture, and large-scale multimedia installations. His work deeply engages with the themes of urban dystopia, postcolonial conditions in Africa, and the resilience and creativity found within marginalized communities.

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His early career saw him documenting the shifts within Angolan society through documentary films and photography, capturing the spirit of organized labor and popular culture in the struggle for political independence. Notably, his "Township" series, which began as a photographic exploration of the improvised housing in Luanda, has evolved into one of his most recognized bodies of work, featuring installations that portray the challenging living conditions while also highlighting the vibrancy and resourcefulness of the communities. These installations not only reflect on Angola's colonial past and its impact on present-day poverty but also celebrate the human spirit's capacity to endure and adapt. Ole's use of found materials in his collages and installations, ranging from recycled papers to construction debris, draws a connection between human activities and the environment, emphasizing a discourse on our interaction with nature and the energies that move within it.

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Ole's significance on the international stage was underscored by his representation of Angola at the 2017 Venice Biennale, a testament to his pivotal role in shaping the discourse around contemporary African art. Rejecting the label of "African contemporary art," Ole advocates for the recognition of artists from Africa simply as "contemporary artists," underscoring his globalist perspective on art and its power to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.