Homebound
The Africa Institute turns the lens on an exceptional Ethiopian artist.
By Catherine Mazy
A collaboration between The Africa Institute, Sharjah Art Foundation and the Sharjah Museums Authority, Homebound: A Journey in Photography is a powerful exhibition that spotlights the work of acclaimed Ethiopian photographer and contemporary artist, Aïda Muluneh.
The exhibition, the first time Muluneh’s work has been shown in Sharjah, is conceived in two parts. The first features Muluneh’s vivid, surreal/pop photographic works. It chronicles her journey as an artist and photojournalist and her contributions to image-making since returning to her homeland in 2007 after years of living and working in North America. It is curated by Salah M. Hassan, director of The Africa Institute, with Sataan Al-Hassan as associate curator.
The second part, Addis Foto Fest: Nine Years Survey, curated by Muluneh herself, presents a selection of contemporary African photographs that have been exhibited and/or commissioned over the past decade by Addis Foto Fest, a photography biennial Muluneh founded in 2010. It covers a vast range, artistically and geographically, intentionally tied by little more than a link to Africa. “The world doesn’t work in themes,” Muluneh says. “Africa is very diverse.”
Homebound: A Journey in Photography at Sharjah Art Museum until October 31. Virtual tour: http://theafricainstitute.org/aida-muluneh.php
