ROOTS AND WINGS:
A New Generation of Ethiopian Artists in Dialogue with the World

The exhibition ROOTS AND WINGS – Young Artists from Addis Ababa and Beyond is anchored in a powerful metaphor. It speaks to a duality that defines the experience of many young artists emerging from Ethiopia today – one of deep rootedness in place, culture, and community and the simultaneous drive to participate in broader artistic conversa- tions beyond national borders.

One of the challenges artists from developing countries often face is the pressure to conform – to adapt to the visual language and conceptual frameworks of the mainstream art world. Too often, they are encouraged to follow rather than lead. ROOTS AND WINGS actively affirms the idea that young Ethiopian artists not only belong in the global conversation but also bring invaluable perspectives shaped by their own history, geography, and identity. Curated with a focus on emerging artists from both Addis Ababa and other regions of the country, the exhibition serves as a bridge between deeply rooted cultural identity and the boundless potential of creative freedom. It introduces a group of young, highly promising artists to European audiences.

What sets Ethiopian contemporary art apart is its unique synthesis of influences. A strong academic foundation, shaped historically by Russian realism and Ethiopian church iconography, has given rise to a visual language that merges the formal with the spiritual and tradition with innovation.

The artists featured in ROOTS AND WINGS explore diverse themes – ranging from the socipolitical landscape of Ethiopia to deeply personal experiences related to identity, gender, and psychological isolation. These works reflect diverse approaches and themes within contemporary Ethiopian art. One explores womanhood in Ethiopian society through layered narratives shaped by the artist’s personal experience as a mother and wife. Another presents scenes of figures who, though physically close, remain emotionally distant – highlighting the quiet tension between proximity and psychological isolation. Other works depart from figuration entirely, embracing abstraction and experimental techniques such as silkscreen printing, collage effects, and gestural brushwork to evoke atmosphere, memory, and movement.

Historically, Ethiopia has remained somewhat isolated from the international art circuit. Unlike many countries on the African continent, Ethiopia’s history of never having been colonized created both a strong sense of independence and a lack of connection with the global art world. This exhibition aims to address that gap. By bringing these young talents to the international stage, ROOTS AND WINGS not only offers them visibility but also places Ethiopian contemporary art in a global dialogue.

In collaboration with Galerie Sammlung Amann in Germany, this exhibition is more than a one-time showcase – it is the beginning of a continued effort to support and platform a new generation of Ethiopian artists. With fresh energy, unique perspectives, and a deep connection to their cultural heritage, these artists are shaping the future of Ethiopian art. ROOTS AND WINGS is both an invitation and a declaration: a call to explore, connect, and imagine beyond borders.

ROOTS AND WINGS: Stay grounded, fly freely on your own terms.

Tesfaye Urgessa