A CHAMPION OF ETHIOPIAN ART AND MODERNISM
Dr. Elisabeth Wolde Giorgis, a trailblazing scholar, curator, and passionate advocate for Ethiopian art, has passed away, leaving behind an indelible legacy. As the Director of the Ethiopian Studies and Research Institute at Addis Ababa University, she played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Ethiopian heritage on the global stage.
Dr. Elisabeth’s academic journey took her to Cornell University, where she studied the History of Art and Visual Studies, and to New York University for Museum Studies. Her scholarly expertise was matched by her leadership roles, including Dean of the Skunder Boghossian College of Performing and Visual Arts and Director of the Institute of Ethiopian Studies.
Her groundbreaking book, Modernist Art in Ethiopia (2019), stands as a defining work on Ethiopian modernism, challenging conventional notions of art and modernity. Dr. Elisabeth also contributed significantly to numerous publications and curated several exhibitions, including Julie, the Addis Show and Addis Ababa: The Enigma of the New and the Modern, solidifying her place as a leading figure in the art world.
As a mentor, Dr. Elisabeth nurtured the next generation of scholars and artists, instilling in them a deep appreciation for Ethiopia’s cultural and artistic legacy. Her sudden passing in Sharjah, UAE, leaves a void in Ethiopian academia and art, but her contributions will continue to inspire for generations.
Dr. Elisabeth’s legacy is immortalized in her work, and she will always be remembered for her dedication to Ethiopian modernism