The Goethe-Institut Äthiopien’s main hall was bathed in a soft, warm orange glow as visitors stepped onto the compound, setting the stage for an evening of art, introspection, and connection. Inside, Beyond Body and Space took over the entire hall, transforming it so completely that the familiar space became unrecognizable. Suspended from a towering 3.4-meter-high structure, the immersive installation redefined the space, wrapping it in cascading forms that turned everyday textiles into a meditative exploration of memory, identity, and environmental change.
As visitors entered, they were greeted by forms coming down from the ceiling, their organic shapes inviting touch and interaction. These sculptural pieces, created from textiles traditionally used for storage, shading, and lightweight shelter, blended cultural heritage with a vision for sustainability. Below, floral-inspired benches made from the same materials provided a tactile and contemplative resting space, creating a seamless connection between the artwork and its audience.
The project was generously funded by the IFA – Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen, an organization dedicated to promoting international cultural relations and supporting artistic and cultural exchange. Their support was instrumental in bringing this ambitious vision to life, highlighting the universal language of art as a bridge between cultures and histories.
The opening night on Thursday, December 12, 2024, welcomed a dynamic mix of artists, architects, and the Goethe-Institut’s community. Outside, music from a garden DJ created a festive ambiance, while inside, the hall buzzed with curiosity and wonder. Visitors wandered through the installation, brushing their hands against the textured forms, exploring the infill materials within, and marveling at the interplay of light and shadow that danced across walls, ceilings, and floors. The constantly shifting environment seemed alive, responding to every movement.
Dr. Angelika Eder, Director of Goethe-Institut Äthiopien, officially inaugurated the exhibition, introducing the collaborators: artist Isabel Tesfazghi, architect and installation artist Alebel Desta, and curator Tinsae Tsegahun. Both Isabel and Alebel took turns sharing the story behind their collaboration—a year and eight months in the making—emphasizing the joy and challenges of creating something as intricate and large-scale as this installation.
In this fully immersive space, shadows danced, textures beckoned touch, and the hall itself became part of the story, transformed into a sensory journey through time and materiality.
Beyond Body and Space will remain open to visitors until January 31, 2025, inviting all to engage with its themes of memory, material, and renewal. It showcases the potential of art to reclaim and reimagine, turning the forgotten into something breathtakingly new.
