Mwoyo Arts, Seattle's only gallery specializing in contemporary African art, salutes Black History Moth with an exhibit of paintings by three Ethiopian artists currently living in Seattle. "Ethiopian Images" features the work of SULTAN MOHAMED, FASIKA MOGES and ASCHENAKI LULU. Mohamed, who moved to Seattle in 1982, teaches art for the Seattle Public School's "After School Art" Program. His most public work is on display at the Metro Bus Shelter in Rainier Avenue at McClellan. Fasika Moges has exhibited extensively in Europe. Aschenaki Lulu was recently awarded third place at the Urban League's "Annual Minority Exhibit" at the Convention Center.

Although each of these artists has their own unique style of painting, all are inspired by the traditional paintings and frescoes of Ethiopia. Mohamed says, "I believe that the past is intricately linked to the present, they cannot be separated. Although I studied Western art during my University course work, I have never strayed from my cultural influences." His work incorporates an array of faces and geometric shapes, surrounded by colors that burst with radiant energy. Many of the paintings represent religious images that stem from biblical times. This collection of paintings serves as an important addition to the journey toward understanding the importance of culture and tradition within art, and illustrates art's potential to both discover and commemorate the past.

Works:

Mohamed, Sultan "The Royal Family"

To the Mwoyo Arts page