Etson Caminha is an alumnus of the renowned Arte Moris Free Art School, established in Timor-Leste’s capital, Dili, following the violent Indonesian occupation of the country between 1975 and 1999. A student at the school from its inception in 2003, Caminha developed a distinguished, experimental sound practice at this time using, quite simply, whatever he had at hand.

Evolving over many years, Caminha’s practice is a form of living art, bringing together sound and visual art in dynamic performances. He nurtures a rich dialogue between Timorese musical traditions and contemporary art, sound and social engagement. Encompassing pedagogical, festival and performance projects, Caminha’s experimental and multidisciplinary creations express his response to the post-conflict context of Timor-Leste, which has struggled for independence twice in recent history — once from Portugal in 1975 and again in 2002 from Indonesia.