by Alebel Desta & Isabel Tesfazghi
On Thursday, December 12, 2024, the
Goethe-Institut Äthiopien’s main hall was beautifully transformed for the opening of Beyond Body and Space, an immersive soft sculpture installation by artist Isabel Tesfazghi and architect Alebel Desta. In a city where large-scale art installations remain uncommon, this exhibition provided a refreshing experience, blending form and material to encourage visitors to see familiar things in new and exciting ways.
Wrapped in a warm, soft orange glow, the space felt peaceful and alive, inviting exploration.
Hanging from the hall’s high ceilings, flowing forms made from woven plastic fabric traditionally used for storage, shading, and lightweight shelter, turned the room into a sensory adventure.
Adding depth to the installation, the hanging forms were filled with discarded textiles collected from factories in Addis Ababa. This inclusion gave new life to materials that might otherwise have been discarded, connecting the artwork to the city’s dynamic industrial landscape. Below, soft, floral-inspired benches made from the same fabric offered cozy resting spaces, seamlessly linking the art above with the audience’s experience on the ground.
The opening night buzzed with energy and excitement as Goethe’s vibrant community of artists, architects, and art enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the work. Outside in the courtyard space, a lively DJ set the mood with music, while inside, shadows played across the walls, and floor, creating a constantly shifting and immersive environment. Visitors wandered through the installation, touching the forms and marveling at how the space seemed to breathe and transform with every movement.
This exhibition was made possible with support from the Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen
(ifa), which supports contemporary artists working abroad. The project highlights art’s ability
to foster cross-cultural dialogue and spark meaningful conversations locally and globally.
Dr. Angelika Eder, Director of the Goethe-Institut Äthiopien, officially inaugurated the
exhibition as Isabel Tesfazghi and Alebel Desta shared their journey of collaboration, one
filled with exploration, challenges, and nearly two years of planning and production.
Beyond Body and Space will remain open until January 31, 2025. This exhibition is a
transformative experience in Addis Ababa’s growing art scene, showcasing the power of art
to reimagine the overlooked into something beautiful and new. Don’t miss out!