Tony Amaral, born in 1984 in Timor-Leste, grew up developing a passion for the arts and activism through painting banners for pro-independence demonstrations. In 2002, he co-founded Arte Moris Free Art School, with Timorese contemporaries and Swiss artist Luca Gansser, creating a pivotal platform for Timorese artists. His artistic practice grew through national and international exhibitions in Australia, Indonesia, and Switzerland. During Timor-Leste’s 2006 civil unrest, his art played a socially engaged role, contributing to peace campaigns through community posters and murals.
In 2008, Tony earned a scholarship to study at the National Art School in Sydney, Australia, where he completed a Bachelor of Fine Art and won the Chroma Prize for Painting. His time in Australia expanded his artistic practice and deepened his commitment to addressing social issues through art. Returning to Timor-Leste, he became Arte Moris’ Artistic Director, curating exhibitions, mentoring artists, and organizing community initiatives. His 2011 exhibition, Dame ba rai ne’ebé maka iha problema (Peace to this troubled land), explored post-independence challenges and was the first solo exhibition by an artist in post-independent Timor-Leste.
In 2014, Tony and his collaborators gained recognition when their installation for the Gertrude Street Projection Festival in Australia won the Walker Abercrombie Judge’s Prize. That same year, their site-specific installation at Timor-Leste’s inaugural Arte Publiku festival, using shipping containers, invited audiences to reflect on cultural and creative capital in times of peace, framed by the realities of conflict.
In 2016, Tony founded the collective Arte Luron to create murals promoting unity and resilience. His vibrant works can be seen in Dili, Sydney, Guyra, and Darwin. Since 2022, he has been integral to the Hasoru Malu initiative, celebrating Timor-Leste’s cultural identity through exhibitions and public art. His mural work, including the large-scale Rua 30 de Agosto mural in Dili, reflects his dedication to transforming public spaces into accessible art.
Tony Amaral remains a leading figure in Timor-Leste’s contemporary art scene, inspiring new generations of artists and making a lasting impact on both local and international art communities.