Nástio Mosquito presents 'The Transitory Suppository' for Artes Mundi 7 prize exhibition in Cardiff

Nástio Mosquito, a multimedia and performance artist, is among six shortlisted for Artes Mundi 7, the UK's largest art prize offering £40,000. His contribution, the first installment of 'The Transitory Suppository', unfolds a fictional scenario involving Botrovia's despotic leader proposing solutions to global issues. The exhibition runs at National Museum Cardiff and Chapter in Cardiff through 26 February, with the winner announced on 26 January. In an interview with ArtReview, Mosquito described his work as exploring the cycle of good and bad within humans through visceral imagery, questioning art's role in reflecting society. He stated art is 'weightless' and inherently tied to human empathy, while society inevitably appears in artistic expression. Regarding the prize money, he provocatively suggested using it to rescue children from prostitution. Other shortlisted artists include Lamia Joreige and Bedwyr Williams. Mosquito noted limited interaction with peers due to the intense schedule but praised the support from Artes Mundi and Chapter staff, hoping to continue passionate artistic dialogues.