Born in Maputo, Mozambique, Gonçalo Mabunda rose to international prominence for his transformative approach to the remnants of conflict. His practice emerged from the aftermath of the Mozambican Civil War, utilizing the tools of violence to create objects of cultural and historical reflection.

Mabunda works primarily with decommissioned AK-47s, rocket launchers, and shell casings, welding them into intricate masks, figurative sculptures, and ceremonial thrones. These works serve as a commentary on the country's history and the process of reconciliation, turning instruments of destruction into aesthetic artifacts.

His work has been featured in major global institutions, including the Centre Pompidou, the Mori Art Museum, and the Venice Biennale. His sculptures are frequently included in collections that explore the intersection of contemporary art, history, and peace-building efforts.