 ASNI GALLERY - Contemporary Ethiopian Art |
Interview with Mrs. Konjit,
Owner of the Asni Gallery.
A visit to Addis Ababa would be incomplete without a stop at one of the half dozen art galleries that have opened during the 1990's. For a taste of the contemporary Ethiopian art scene a place not to be missed is ASNI Gallery.
ASNI Gallery was established in 1996 and has rapidly become one of the more vibrant centers of artistic activity in Addis Ababa. The gallery features the works of contemporary Ethiopian artists, and from time to time, the works of artists from abroad.
The interpretations of life presented by the artists, their vision of what is and what can be, bring a sense of the cultural revival that has begun in the post-Mengistu era. Reflecting the relative youth of this movement in a country with traditions dating back thousands of years, the art scene reflects a dynamic diversity of styles, technique, and presentation. ASNI Gallery is at the forefront of promoting contemporary Ethiopian artists. Among the prominent contemporary artists featured at ASNI are, Behailu Bezabih, Bekele Mekonnen, Daniel Tayé, Fanayé Tesfaye, Tibebe Terffa, Yohannes Gedamu etc.
Major exhibitions open once a month. Complimenting the dynamic works that are standard fare is the exciting atmosphere that has developed around them. ASNI openings have become increasingly popular drawing the young, hip, academic, and members of the art and culture loving Addis Ababa communities. | ASNI Gallery is located in the Entoto hills that form the northern border of Addis Ababa. It was on these hills that the Emperor Menelik II, famous for the victorious force that he led against a technologically superior colonizing Italian army at Adwa in 1896, set up a camp which would eventually become the established capital of modern day Ethiopia.
Impressed by the beauty of the hills, the valley below, and particularly drawn to the therapeutic hot springs that bubble up from the ground in an area that has since become the center of Addis Ababa, Menelik's Consort, the indomitable Empress Taitu made the critical decision to maintain a permanent camp.
Legend has it that the Empress discovered a new type of flower in these hills and hence the name Addis Ababa, which in Amharic means 'New Flower'.
The gallery is housed in one of the few surviving examples of early twentieth century Addis Ababa architecture. The authentically restored building is set in a large garden with majestic wild olives, pines, and eucalyptus trees. Blessed with the clean crisp air of the close to 3000 meters above sea level hills, ASNI Gallery provides a pleasant retreat from the grind of the city below.
After a lengthy perusal of the latest exhibition, visit the gallery gift shop which offers a unique line of vests made from the colorful hand woven fabrics of Wollo province in northern Ethiopia. This fabric is also used to make cushion covers and a variety of bags, ideal for gift giving. The gallery shop has a wonderful collection of past and current exhibition memorabilia for sale, posters, postcards, and so forth.
Beverages are served on the upstairs verandah overlooking the garden where one can sit on bamboo stools and sip spiced tea while reflecting on the changing images of this fascinating land. ASNI Gallery serves vegetarian buffet lunches on Thursdays and Saturdays. Featuring a diversity of Ethiopian, African, Middle Eastern and European cuisines, these lunches attract a regular clientele. Indulge in gastronomic creativity - ASNI provides feasts for both the eyes and stomach. |
