Hearkening Realities Art Exhibition by Dereje Shiferaw

Dereje Shiferaw born in Asmera in 1978, is a naturally gifted self-taught-painter who states, “…my combined love for art and nature…has found its way into my life…”. His exhibition HEARKENING REALITIES is a collection of new paintings which documents a range of social issues from miseducation to impact of war on children. Opening this weekend at Moa Anibessa Art Studio Gallery in Kazanches, Dereje’s newest works consist of acrylic on paper filled with a fresh bold graphic style. Where many artists are refining and defining, Dereje is emphasizing and challenging. His signature African subjects project lush illustrious lips with huge contorted hands accentuated with simple yet stylized nose and eyes which speak volumes. Funky and fresh, Dereje is unbridled by any academic pedagogy or formula; going freely where most formally taught artist dare to go.
HEARKENING REALITIES documents Dereje’s journey into a world where those without hearing use sign language to communicate. The expressive hand gestures, bright colors, subtle touches of nature create a story of confident and conscious people who are comfortable with their so-called “disability”. He also explores the miseducation of Africans, confined to Euro-centric education, now being challenged by a generation waking up to the realities of foreign “interests.” Dereje declares “Influenced by nature, human beings, social elements to questionable politics, culture, economic circumstance in Ethiopia, Africa and worldwide…I am motivated by it all. The Intriguing dialogue between the subject’s message and the viewer is compelling…physically and emotionally invested in the subject’s story, my aim is to capture the sprit, essence and heritage of my subject and use this as an opportunity for the world to peer into the lives and struggles of people whose stories are yet to be told…”. Dereje’s exhibition is open until March 13th, at Moa Anibessa, an art studio gallery offered to selected artists from Africa and the Diaspora by contemporary fine artist, Prince Merid Tafesse. To book an appointment please text or call 0911864677.