2026-03-31 | Tamrat Gezahegne: solo exhibition at Michael Tsegaye Creative Studio in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Our fellow Tamrat Gezahegne has opened a solo exhibition, Kuyisa (The Termite Mound), at Michael Tsegaye Creative Studio in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, curated by Konjit Seyoum.

'I have titled this exhibition ኩይሳ (Kuyisa), The Termite Mound, a metaphor for my deeply interlaced life with nature, objects, and art. I am inspired by the rhythms of urban and rural landscapes, ecosystems, and indigenous communities. Through my work, I strive to harmonize these rhythms over time, in the hope to reach toward the pillar of light that connects us all.

ኩይሳ (Kuyisa) is a mixed-media body of work I developed over four years in my 5 x 4 meter studio at the Ginfile Condominiums. The materials carry the history of my surroundings: objects left behind by former residents whose homes were demolished, items salvaged from rubble or skips, and contributions from friends and fellow artists. Even the by-products of things I use or consume are repurposed, becoming part of the work itself.

From my studio, I often hear the trash collectors rhythmically calling:

"Bring out the trash, bring out your trash."

I never have to. Trash is the brick and mortar of my art. I often wish they could see how I reconcile with their call—transforming what was discarded into what endures.'

You can see the exhibition until 27 April