Addis Expressions Art Exhibition

It is 25 years since Live Aid was held, yet the West still draw upon images of famine when Ethiopia is mentioned. At the heart of this show is the desire to adjust the distorted image many Westerners have of Ethiopia. The exhibition is an embodiment of a country that has a thriving art scene, rich culture and creative people. Ethiopia is as large as France and Spain combined. Ethiopian Art, recognised as one of the country’s many cultural achievements, is largely considered an outcome of centuries of cultural exchange of many forms of art between Africa, Asia, and Europe, giving it a unique place in the history of African art. The seven artists participating in the show have studied art at the renowned Addis Ababa Fine Arts School and some have exhibited and worked abroad. Their backgrounds and experience are as varied as Ethiopians themselves and their work reflects this. They work in a number of different media and raise innumerable kinds of subject matter. The works exhibited are a far cry from the centuries old style of Ethiopian Christian Art which many Westerners are familiar with. The artists try to capture both modern day life and some of the fast –disappearing aspects of Addis life. The exhibition is open to members of the public and local businesses. It also will run at two other Sky Business Centres as follows: 24th January - 4th February - Sky Business Centres, Clonshaugh. 21st February - 4th March -Sky Business Centres, Damastown.