WHERE WE COALESCE
WHERE WE COALESCE is a solo exhibition by Ethiopian artist Tadesse Mesfin. Renowned for his signature elongated figures, Mesfin continues his celebration of Ethiopian women’s strength, community, and resilience. His vibrant, color-blocked compositions highlight the elegance and dignity of women in market scenes, capturing both cultural tradition and a contemporary sense of unity.
Addis Fine Art (London), Mappin House, 4 Winsley Street, London, W1W 8HF. Runs from September 15 to October 30, 2024.
Exhibition Description
"Incorporating the Ethiopian Modernist tradition of including Amharic alphabetic script in paintings, Tadesse interprets the human figures as a type of lettering, the figures echoing the vertical loops and angles of Amharic text. In this way, the subjects of his work can be perceived as their own type of meaning makers, not merely passive beings, but actively participating in the creation of their environment. In the artist’s words, ‘through repetition they have become my symbols, my language.’" -Exhibition Excerpt