AddisFiles
AddisFiles is a growing digital archive of Ethiopian art and design, providing a valuable resource for Habesha artists, researchers, and enthusiasts. It offers access to diverse artistic forms, helping to enrich the creative landscape and preserve cultural memory. Ethiopian art is often narrowly defined by traditions associated with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church—a perspective reinforced by scholars, popular writings, and Western museums. This focus overlooks the culture’s many other creative practices and their evolution over time. Archiving serves as both a means of preservation and a catalyst for innovation in cultural heritage. My pursuit of this project is a result of being an Ethiopian and an artist who yearns for a safe archival space to channel the sense of warmth and storytelling from back home. Habesha is used to describe the universal yet distinct culture of the people from the Ethiopian and Eritrean region. By expanding the concept of Habesha art, AddisFiles aims to foster a broader understanding of its cultural narratives and their relevance in contemporary contexts.
Beimnet Zerefa is an interdisciplinary designer from Gondar, Ethiopia, exploring cultural practices through the intersection of design and tech. Her design practice is informed by her background in traditional art that ranges from painting to photography and textiles, and is realized through digital media including graphic design, illustration, web design, and coding.
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