Henok Melkamzer's First International Solo Exhibition of Telsem Art Opens in Sharjah
The Sharjah Art Foundation, together with The Africa Institute, Global Studies University (GSU), and the Sharjah Museums Authority, will launch Henok Melkamzer's first international solo exhibition called Henok Melkamzer: Telsem Symbols and Imagery. This event is scheduled at the Sharjah Art Museum from February 24 to June 16, 2024, and will showcase over 100 artworks. Telsem art, which blends astrology, spirituality, and religion, reflects the intricate sociopolitical history of Ethiopia. Henok's work combines traditional themes with contemporary issues like climate change and poverty. Curator Elizabeth Giorgis aims to enhance the audience's understanding of telsem. Living in Addis Ababa, Henok has gained worldwide recognition and continues a family legacy in this art form.
Key facts
- Henok Melkamzer's first international solo exhibition of Ethiopian telsem art
- Over 100 works on display at Sharjah Art Museum
- Exhibition runs from 24 February to 16 June 2024
- Organized by Sharjah Art Foundation with The Africa Institute, GSU, and Sharjah Museums Authority
- Telsem art combines astrology, religion, spirituality with symbols, drawings, and texts
- Henok uses traditional natural pigments and acrylic in new paintings
- Curator Elizabeth Giorgis is Associate Professor at The Africa Institute (GSU), Sharjah
- Henok learned telsem from his father and grandfather, who were healers
Entities
Artists
- Henok Melkamzer
Institutions
- Sharjah Art Foundation
- The Africa Institute
- Global Studies University (GSU)
- Sharjah Museums Authority
- Sharjah Art Museum
- Lahore Biennale
Locations
- Sharjah
- United Arab Emirates
- Addis Ababa
- Ethiopia
- Mount Entoto
- Lahore
- Pakistan