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 :)