Li’ilit Princess: Homage To Mother
“Twenty-five years living every minute for art…trusting, having vision, developing…the blessing of art leads me in a divine direction. I know who I am and my purpose; I paint, draw, sculpt what I see and feel…what most dare not express,” Prince Merid Tafesse.
On Friday March 15, St. George Golla Art Gallery with Moa Anbessa Art Studio will present “LI’ILIT PRINCESS: Homage to Mother” a 25-year retrospective of Merid’s artistic journey since graduating from Addis Ababa Fine Art and Design School in 1999, reflecting myriad issues in his unique and unapologetic style.
Selamawit Alene, Golla owner says, “My co-curator, Dr. Desta Meghoo and I have selected 75 images for the catalogue and over 150 for the exhibition…charcoal, mixed media, paintings…sculptures, many never before seen.”
Born in Ethiopia on 29 March 1974, Merid was raised by a well-travelled banker father, Tafesse Damtew. Artistic influence came from his self-taught artist mother, Li’ilit Yilma, a 6th generation descendant from King Sahle Selassie Wossen Seged of Shewa. Prince Merid says, “Our line is an example of African heritage, pride, victory and longevity…it fills my mind, my heart and my art.”
Excerpts from collectors and curators in the catalogue:
“I met Prince Merid in 2005 in Addis organizing my husband, Bob Marley’s 60th Birthday. His art is powerful and purposeful… for Ethiopians and Africans everywhere.” Dr. Nana Rita Marley O.D.
“Prince Merid’s works of art…always a pleasure and an intellectual journey.” Ambassador Przemysław Bobak, Embassy of Poland.
“…artist and philosopher Merid… I am your great fan…great exhibition…” Esseye Gebre-Medhin, Art Historian
“I curated “THE THREE GENERATIONS” at Sheraton …about different artistic practices during 3 governments in Ethiopia…1970s-1990s. …Abdulrahman Sherif, – Imperial era, Behailu Bezabih- socialist/capitalist Derg era and Merid Tafesse – TPLF …era. I presented Merid to MoMA… as an example of young Ethiopian contemporary artists.” Meskerem Assegued – Curator Zoma Museum Founding Co-Director.
The exhibition closes April 6th at Golla Gallery inside Golla Park, by Golla Mikael Church, uphill from Ethiopian Immigration.
Call 091 121 0211 or 090 700 9072 for more information.