"The Artist's Corner..."

"Mutual Identity"

Chalk and collage on paper

Dawit Abebe

What I Like About This: Here is a contemporary work out of Africa, which is experiencing a renaissance of its art and culture with the rise of wealth and affluence in many of her nations. This piece by Ethiopian artist, Dawit Abebe speaks directly to the relatively new phenomena of the continent's artists finding new audiences to appreciate their work. Here a contorted figure finds himself on display in a gallery in some old European capital. He appears torn between contemporary culture and the ancient traditions of his forefathers... Meanwhile, a group of his brethren sing out, asking for their long overdue recognition to a trio of dangling microphones representing the three world orders. This piece is enigmatic and intriguing to appreciate, and that is the basic tenet which guides the creation of all great art.