First stop done, creative hub. Yohannes Girma explores “the older buildings of Addis Ababa as living records of memory through architecture, visual storytelling and urban narratives” loved it. Alliance apparently has an exhibition, didn’t know but will visit. It’s right next door but opens at 12.

Stop 2 done. Alliance EthioFrancaise had a gallery showing Prince Merid Taffese Damtew. And dang, this one I really enjoyed, a mixed-media art, very expressive, very bold collection titled “Refraction”.

I’ve seen some expensive local art, but this one, I could barely afford the art catalog; but I had to get something. Amazing work, must visit.

Stop 3 The space Ethiopia was showing works by Asratemariam Dereje. I thoroughly enjoyed his work. He explores “the rich and amorphous underbelly of an Ethiopian childhood” drawn from his own memories and other children from his neighborhood; he portrays scenes of “playing in the garden” and they are a truly beautiful, wild, strange and intimate works of art. I got a nice little memento, a signed postcard. I might buy one of his paintings - but I’ll sleep on it.

Stop 4 at Studio 11 - Bethel Getu’s “what’s on your mind?” I enjoyed this collection, very playful art style. Reminds me of older illustration books I had. Definitely worth a trip!

Stop 5 Artawi - this exhibition by Mehari Teshome, is a contemplative exploration of perception, spirituality, and hidden emotional realities, using symbolic imagery, especially the cat, to bridge the visible and invisible worlds. Although I’m partial to dogs, I loved his works. Artawi is a great space, Ab and Sehin are amazing people doing some great work.


And that’s a wrap ladies and gentlemen! Thank you for humoring me :)