ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Aïda Muluneh's 'This Bloom I Borrow' exhibition at Efie Gallery showcases new silkscreen series

exhibition · 2026-04-19

The exhibition 'This Bloom I Borrow' by Aïda Muluneh is currently on display at Efie Gallery in Dubai, running until 5 April. This new collection features techniques of silkscreen printing and hand painting, representing a notable advancement in her 25-year artistic journey. Muluneh's art delves into themes of memory and emotion, transitioning from mere documentation to the creation of symbolic environments. Her striking images incorporate African textiles and iconography, merging the realms of photography, painting, and performance. She is the founder of Addis Foto Fest and The Africa Foto Fair, and in 2019, she co-curated the exhibition for the Nobel Peace Prize. The series addresses themes of visibility and concealment, utilizing symbols such as eyes and masks, while highlighting intricate portrayals of women and advocating for local investment in African photography for its sustainability.

Key facts

  • Aïda Muluneh's exhibition 'This Bloom I Borrow' runs at Efie Gallery, Dubai until 5 April 2026
  • The series uses silkscreen printing and hand-painted techniques on canvas
  • Muluneh has been a leading voice in contemporary photography for 25 years
  • She founded Addis Foto Fest, the first international photography festival in East Africa
  • In 2019, she became the first Black woman to co-curate the Nobel Peace Prize exhibition
  • Her work has been exhibited at Museum of Modern Art New York, The Photographers Gallery London, and C/O Berlin
  • The artist's process involves collaboration with Ahmad Makary at The Workshop DXB in Alserkal Avenue
  • Muluneh maintains a studio in Abidjan and has produced work outdoors in Addis Ababa

Entities

Artists

  • Aïda Muluneh
  • Ahmad Makary
  • Emma Jacob

Institutions

  • Efie Gallery
  • Addis Foto Fest
  • The Africa Foto Fair
  • Nobel Peace Prize
  • Museum of Modern Art
  • The Photographers Gallery
  • C/O Berlin
  • The Workshop DXB
  • Aesthetica Magazine

Locations

  • Dubai
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Calgary
  • Canada
  • New York
  • United States
  • London
  • United Kingdom
  • Berlin
  • Germany
  • Abidjan
  • Côte d'Ivoire
  • Addis Ababa
  • Ethiopia
  • Alserkal Avenue

Sources