Hiwot Abebe

Gestures of Mask-ulinity is a painting exhibition by Kirubel Abebe at Laphto Contemporary Art Gallery in Laphto Mall. Kirubel investigates identity and gender, presenting a version of masculinity that defies stereotypical behaviors of masculinity. 

Contemporary Nights launched GOJO residency during the covid-19 pandemic, a salve to the anxiety of lockdown and the stress of political unrest that continues to plague the country. 

Hailu Kifle’s latest works in Reflections of Seal Stamps are on view at the Alliance Ethio-Francaise exhibition space. Curator Frehiwot Demissie describes Hailu as an experimental artist who has “successfully managed to promote the apprehension of knowledge through his artistic practice and turn seal stamps into a true art form”. Frehiwot also curated his 2019 Adwa Legacy exhibition in Washington DC. 

Lucy Fragrances has been making its way through Instagram popularity with cleanly designed visuals that entice and intrigue the viewer. Founders of the company Edom Bekele and Senait Daniel launched Lucy Fragrances in October.

Although television channels and networks are proliferating in the country, finding entertainment for young adults remains a difficult job. Programming aimed specifically at teenagers is virtually non-existent with one exception - Yegna. 

At a nail salon in Bole a technician files a customer’s nail with an emery board to remove glittery gold nail polish. Bethlehem, the technician applies acetone to the nails then cuts off strips of aluminium foil to wrap each finger in acetone soaked cotton balls.

Tizta Berhanu is one of the youngest artists defining contemporary Ethiopian visual arts and is ready to show new works at Heber, an exhibition at Addis Fine Art. 

Kirubel Melke’s exhibition (the distance) Between Me and My Home opened this week at Alliance Ethio-Francaise. The exhibition features textile collage and fabric and paper collages in Kirubel’s signature style. 

Finding Sally is a documentary by Tamara Mariam Dawit released this year, recounting the story of her missing aunt Sally. 

Threading of Fabrics (Gungun Diroch) is Meron Hailu’s latest work currently exhibited at Guramayne Art Center. Experienced in multiple media and an experienced printmaker, Meron has focused her attention on colorful thread for these artworks.