234. Valdemar Dória (Sao Tomé and Principe, born 1974) Untitled 1994 signed and dated "Tobias Amerika 1994" lower right oil on canvas *Valdemar Doria also signed "Tobias Amerika". Provenance Private collection, Mozambique Private collection, Portugal Born in March 1974 in São Tomé and Príncipe, Valdemar Dória is emerging as a captivating contemporary painter whose work transcends the boundaries of memory and identity. His "Olhem o Estrangeiro" series is the result of a deep introspection into his past, revealing key moments in his childhood that continue to shape his life as an artist. The expression "Piá Gabon", borrowed from the lexicon of São Tomé and Príncipe, refers to those who were not born on the archipelago. As an immigrant to Portugal, Dória explores the duality of his gaze, evoking the way in which São Toméans view those not born on the island. Through his canvases, the artist depicts the experience of being a foreigner in Portugal, capturing an atmosphere that is sometimes devoid of empathy towards those who cross borders. Her creations explore the intimacy of these interactions, using expressions like "Olha o forro!" to illustrate the link between origin and perception. Valdemar Dória, who has a degree in Pre-Printing, worked at Martins and Lemos Audiovisuais and went on to study Graphic Design at the Universidade Lusófona de Tecnologia e Humanidades. Since joining the Coletiva 'Jovem Pintores Africanos' in 1994, the artist has held a series of solo and group exhibitions in Portugal, Ireland, Belgium and São Tomé and Príncipe. Founder of Plataforma Cafuka - Associação Cultural, Valdemar Dória's work reveals a constant quest for identity, exploring his roots, influences and the emotional richness of his heritage. In this way, his art becomes an open window onto the complexity of the soul, inviting the viewer to lose themselves in the obscure brilliance of existence.