There are many factors that have helped shape art of the past and the way we look at art today. Influences range from culture, music, location, and even climate. Usually when most people think of art, they think of Picasso, Michelangelo, or Rembrandt.
Ever thought of Tibebe Terffa, Afewer Tekle, or maybe even Bisrat Shibabow? These artists, along with many others, are some of the world’s best and they all come from Ethiopia. Since last May, Diggs Gallery has featured an exhibit that displays art from these and other Ethiopian artists.
“I never knew that such beautiful art came from Ethiopia. I’m so glad to have seen this exhibit and I’m interested in learning more about art from Ethiopia,” said Sheena Oliver, a nursing major. The exhibit, “The Continuity and Change: Three Generations of Ethiopian Artists”, is a showcase of the interesting history of art in Ethiopia . It takes visitors through 50 years of artwork that has blossomed around Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s art capital.
Ethiopia’s influence in the world of art has helped shape the world of art in Africa. The School of Fine Arts and Design, located in Ethiopia, was created in 1957 and is one of the most prestigious art schools in Africa. The academy has been called one of the best of its kind on the continent and has molded many of Ethiopia’s most famous artists, such as Elias Sime and Desta Hagos.
Now, Ethiopia is sharing its art culture with the world and you can see it all from the developing stages to the modern art of today. The Diggs Gallery will host “The Continuity and Change: Three Generations of Ethiopian Artists” exhibit until Dec. 8.