Addis Arms x Artawi Gallery

Artawi Gallery and Addis Arms have partnered to create an art space, offering local artists a two-month exhibition dedicated. This initiative provides British Embassy community with access to local art and artists while giving local artists the opportunity to connect with an international audience. Each exhibition runs for two months, and whenever possible, an art talk with the artists will be organized.

MASK_ULINITY

An Exhibition by Njung’e Wanjiru

“Not all masks are meant to conceal. Some hold us together.”

Mask_ulinity explores the multiple layers of masculinities in the contemporary African context. The series unveils the shifting masks that men and boys carry in their everyday lives, navigating different roles and expectations in relationships, families, as well as their communities. These masks are expression of identity, belonging, love, loss, survival, or resistance. Some reveal softness and affirmation, while others convey struggle, pain, trauma, and silence. Many are inherited and passed down through generations.

 

Drawing on themes of tradition and culture, Mask_ulinity quietly reclaims and loudly celebrates African masculinities by revealing the softness behind the façades. The work embraces the idea of multiple masculinities, defying singular definitions. Masculinity here is not fixed, it is fluid, inherited, redefined, broken, and healed.

 

Njung’e brings together eighteen deeply personal digital paintings that reflect on Black men and boys in different moments of vulnerability, intimacy, brotherhood, spirituality, and healing. In this body of work, masculinity is found in cultural representations of a father braiding his daughter’s hair, a brother’s support in times of grief and loss, or a group of community elders sharing mundane moments over a game of bao. Framed by rhythm, color, and gesture, these images question how masculinity is perceived, performed, or sustained.

 

The exhibition invites for reflection, learning, unlearning, and relearning. Njung’e hopes to share a nuanced perspective on the complexities and contradictions of masculinities in the African context. His work becomes a call for care, connection, and solidarity.

About the Artist:

Njung’e Wanjiru is visual artist based between Addis and Nairobi, exploring the media of illustration, animation, and filmmaking. Through visual communication and documentation, Njung’e captures, archives, and transforms diverse knowledges, perspectives, and ideas. As digital native, Njung’e creates visual art at the intersections of African culture, social narratives, and technology. His artworks make reference to the concepts of nature, heritage, representation, and accessibility.

Illustration of a Black father braiding his daughter's hair in a cozy indoor setting, with a window, curtains, and framed pictures in the background.
Illustration of six men of different ages and skin tones, some with glasses, engaging in a close-knit, affectionate embrace, symbolizing generational connection and masculinity.
Illustration of people dancing, playing music, and socializing at an indoor community event, with a DJ and a sign that reads 'Ngoma Nights'.
Illustration of a football team celebrating on the field, with players in striped uniforms and flags, under a stadium sky.
An illustration of three Black men standing in water with palm trees in the background, one carrying a surfboard, depicting Black masculinity and beauty in surfing.
Illustration of four young people in front of a small store with green doors, a Coca-Cola advertisement, and a black dog walking nearby, representing community life.
Illustration of five young men playing dice on a city street, with buildings and utility poles in the background.
Illustration of two people standing close together, focusing on their legs and feet, wearing colorful sneakers, shorts, and sweaters, symbolizing friendship and companionship.
Text and illustration discussing African culture, masculinity, and grief, featuring two men in colorful suits holding flowers, sitting together in a car.
Illustration of two boys in white clothing, one older and one younger, seated on a mat with prayer beads, set against a soft orange background, symbolizing spirituality.
Illustration of people baptizing others in water, with one person raising a hand and a halo above their head, and others standing in line, surrounded by a tree and water.

Past Exhibitions

An overhead view of a person assembling or working on a structure on a reddish surface, with large white text overlaid proclaiming 'ADDIS STREET PHOTOGRAPHY MIXTAPE,' and smaller text providing details about an art exhibition and artists.

Addis Street Photography Mixtape

Addis Street Photography mixtape , an exhibition that celebrates the eclectic range of styles found within Addis Ababa’s street photography scene. These talented photographers from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, present their unique perspectives on the city’s streets, each capturing its distinctive essence. Through their lenses, every photograph becomes a resonant tale, weaving its own narrative.

The city of Addis Ababa is undergoing rapid change—what you see today might not be there tomorrow. The fact that these photos were taken one or two years ago makes them even more relevant, serving as a way to remember what once was.

Hosted by the esteemed Artawi Gallery, this exhibition is a testament to the creative spirit of Ethiopian artists. Immerse yourself in the captivating sights, colors, and moments that define street photography in Addis Ababa.

Step into the vibrant city of Addis Ababa, Africa’s diplomatic capital and the fourth-largest city on the continent. At first glance, it may appear chaotic and congested, but beneath the surface lies a captivating blend of urban ambiance, rich traditions, and unparalleled history.

In this metropolis, a growing number of individuals have embraced street photography as a way to rediscover the wonder of everyday existence. The diverse styles that have emerged within this artistic genre are as vibrant as the life they aim to capture.

Eyoeal Kefyalew

Eyoeal Kefyalew is a photographer based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. From a very young age, Eyoeal has been fascinated with graphic design, and his passion for the art form has generated a keen interest in photography. His work mostly consists of street photography, which he uses to explore and record the place in which he resides, and documentary form, which he uses to delve into his own past and memories. In 2020, Eyoeal was selected as a participant in the Canon Stu- dent Development Program, and selected works were published as a book titled Encourage. His works have been exhibited at one of the leading photography festivals in Africa, Addis Foto Fest 2018, UPPA: East African Photography Award 2019, Melrose Gallery in Johannesburg in 2021,
and have been published in Out of the Phone: Mobile Street Photography book in 2017 and by the Turkish Photography Foundation in 2021, Fotosfer. He is also a nominee for the first edition of the Inspire Art Award at the Nitja Centre for Contemporary Art in Lillestrom, Norway.

Lingering II

These images explore the multiple layers found in our surroundings using light as a tool to identify the degree of visibility. The shadows in contrast with saturated images create a flattening in the images that encourages the viewer to consider a confrontation between the comfortable and the familiar with the dark and heavy elements of the environment. The swiftness of street photogra- phy allowed me to capture the bodies pronouncing gestures that recall intimacy in the conversa- tions the figures carry with each other.

  • A woman in a yellow shirt opening a yellow door with a window. In Addis Ababa Ethiopia, this photography work is by Eyoel Kefyalew.

    5,000 ETB

    Size - 30x30cm

  • A woman standing next to a small orange booth or kiosk, wearing a colorful skirt and a headscarf, with her hand on her lower back. In Addis Ababa Ethiopia, this photography work is by Eyoel Kefyalew.

    5,000 ETB

    Size - 30x30cm

  • A person holding a blue umbrella with small yellow patterns, standing in front of a colorful corrugated metal fence in yellow and green, with a second umbrella on the ground with red and white stripes. In Addis Ababa Ethiopia, this photography work i

    5,000 ETB

    Size - 30x30cm

  • A person wearing a white headscarf, black jacket, and long black skirt walking past a colorful wall with blue and orange blocks, wearing pink sandals. In Addis Ababa Ethiopia, this photography work is by Eyoel Kefyalew.

    5,000 ETB

    Size - 30x30cm

  • A woman and a boy stand in front of a yellow metal gate. The woman, wearing an orange skirt, black top, and teal scarf, holds a black wallet and looks to her left. The boy, dressed in a navy sweater and green pants, stands with his hands in his pockets, looking at the woman.

    5,000 ETB

    Size - 30 X 30 cm

  • A person peering through a small opening in a rusty corrugated metal wall. In Addis Ababa Ethiopia, this photography work is by Eyoel Kefyalew.

    5,000 ETB

    Size - 30 X 30 cm

  • An elderly woman wearing a white headscarf and black coat walking past a younger woman in colorful striped sweater carrying a plastic bag, with a blue and red wall in the background showing a large number 13. In Addis Ababa Ethiopia, this photography

    5,000 ETB

    Size - 30 X 30 cm

  • A person in a red jacket is tossing a pack of bottled water from the back of a truck. The truck's side is blue with a sign that includes the text 'JES for A Better Life' and a diagram explaining water consumption.

    5,000 ETB

    SSize - 30 X 30 cm

  • Orange and yellow public transport bus with a person's foot visible hanging out of the open door. In Addis Ababa Ethiopia, this photography work is by Eyoel Kefyalew.

    5,000 ETB

    Size - 30 x 30 cm

  • Person wearing yellow coveralls and a large straw hat holding a broom over their shoulder in front of a blue painted corrugated metal wall. In Addis Ababa Ethiopia, this photography work is by Eyoel Kefyalew.

    5,000ETB

    Size - 30 x 30 cm

Awetahegn Ephrem

Awetahegn Ephrem is a photographer based in the city of Addis Ababa, his photographer’s journey began with a profound passion for capturing the world through the lens of a film camera from a young age, he found solace and inspiration in the art of film photography, music and movies.

Interestingly, his path took an unexpected turn when he decided to pursue a career in medicine. After completing medical school, he found himself with a unique opportunity to travel across the diverse landscapes and suburbs of Ethiopia. It was during these journeys that his love for photog- raphy truly flourished.

With a distinct vision, his images often focused on still photos and landscapes, deliberately devoid of human presence. His intention was to evoke a sense of nostalgia and liminal a spaces drawing viewers into a world where time stood still. Each frame allowing people to weave their own sto- ries and emotions into the scenes before them.

Currently, while pursuing his career as an emergency medicine resident at Black Lion Hospital, he continues to find solace and balance in the world of photography. Despite the demanding
nature of his work, he remains dedicated to his artistic passion, recognizing its power to heal and inspire. Through his images, he invites viewers to slow down to appreciate small wonders that surround us and to find solace in the extraordinary moments hidden with the folds of everyday existence.

The Liminal Moments of Everyday Life

This series of photographs captures the essence of liminal moments, those fleeting instances sus- pended between the ordinary and the extraordinary ,revealing the stories that unfold in the back- drop of our everyday lives .They celebrate the beauty found in the unnoticed, the ordinary, and the transient. Through their lens, we are encouraged to pause, reflect, and find meaning in the subtle details that weave the tapestry of our shared human experience.

  • Exterior of a building with a staircase, green and red walls, and a large leafy plant growing beside the stairs. In Addis Ababa Ethiopia, this photography work is by Eyoel Kefyalew.

    6,000 ETB

    Size - 30x40cm

  • A tall modern building with a distinctive facade featuring black and white checkered pattern, seen above a concrete structure with pillars and a streetlamp.

    6,000 ETB

    Size - 30x40cm

  • A man walking along a dirt road next to a stone and concrete wall with a green house behind it, surrounded by trees and foliage.

    6,000 ETB

    Size - 30x40cm

  • Two orange plastic chairs on a sidewalk, each with a colorful cloth draped over the back; one blue and one yellow.

    6,000 ETB

    Size - 30x40cm

  • Person wearing an orange apron inside a kitchen, seen through a sliding glass door with curtains, with outdoor tables and greenery outside.

    6,000 ETB

    Size - 30x40cm

  • Empty booth with a Coca-Cola bottle on a small round wooden table, yellow wall behind, window with partial 'coffee' sign and sunlight casting shadows.

    6,000 ETB

    Size - 30x40

  • Reflection of a display with framed photographs and a banner with silhouettes of people walking outside, including trees and a white tent.

    6,000 ETB

    Size - 30 X 40 cm

  • Close-up of the interior of a vintage car with tan leather seats, seen through the car's window during sunlight.

    6,000 ETB

    Size - 30x40cm

  • View of a city square with a tall monument topped with a sculpture of a figure on horseback, viewed through a torn hole in a wall.

    6,500ETB

    Size - 40x40cm

  • A vintage red car parked on the side of a street in front of a white multi-story building with large windows and tall shrubbery and trees along the fence.

    6,000 ETB

    Size - 30 X 40 cm

Amado Ergana

Amado is a mobile street photographer born and based in Addis Ababa. His photography mainly tames the light and shadow around vibrant Ethiopian street subjects. It fascinates him to watch these two creating abstractions to ordinary street scenery.

Shadows & Symphonies

This collection of shadow-tamed candid Addis Ababa street scenery photographs showcases the unfiltered beauty of the city’s streets. In these photographs, one can witness the vibrant tapestry of everyday life captured in a symphony of colors, shapes, and emotions. The inclusion of shadows in these images introduces a captivating dimension of depth and intrigue, contributing to a feeling of spontaneity and genuineness in the depicted scenes. This distinctive approach encouraes viewers to examine the photographs more closely and connect with them on a profounder level.

  • A woman sitting on a concrete step next to a large blue tent, holding a walking cane, with a small piece of clothing or fabric on her lap, and wearing a green and black patterned headscarf and pink skirt.

    5,000 ETB

    Size - 30x30cm

  • A person holding colorful balloons casting a long shadow on the ground.

    5,000 ETB

    Size - 30x30cm

  • Two men standing outside a building, one using a mobile phone and the other talking on a phone, with shadows cast on a pinkish wall.

    5,000 ETB

    Size - 30x30cm

  • A street shop with red and green wooden structure selling bottled water, various products, and goods. A man in a red shirt and gray pants stands outside, crossing his arms, while a young man inside the shop leans through the window, resting his chin on his hand, looking ahead.

    5,000 ETB

    Size - 30x30cm

  • Person assembling or repairing a large red fabric structure, possibly a tent or canopy, inside the tent

    8,000 ETB

    Size - 60 X 60 cm

  • A young child wearing a blue shirt, plaid shorts, and sandals is partially obscured behind hanging cloths in bright sunlight, standing on a tiled floor.

    6,000 ETB

    Size - 30x40

  • A person working in a workshop, wearing a welding helmet, appears to be welding or working with metal, with sparks visible on the ground. The worker is dressed in protective clothing and is crouched down near a metal frame.

    6,000 ETB

    Size - 30 X 40 cm

  • A young girl is holding a large piece of transparent plastic or glass, with sunlight shining through it, casting shadows on the textured brown wall behind her.

    6,000 ETB

    Size - 30x40cm

  • Three children, two boys and one girl, gather around a foosball table outdoors near a weathered blue wall. Two children wear yellow shirts, one of whom is also wearing a face mask, and the third boy wears a blue shirt. Shadows of trees cast on the wall.

    6,000 ETB

    Size - 30 X 40 cm

  • A man in a red jacket and black tie stands on a sidewalk next to a wall with a no U-turn traffic sign. The sign is tilted and partly obscured, with yellow caution tape attached to its post. The scene appears to be in an urban area with some pedestrians in the background.

    6,000ETB

    Size - 30x40cm

Sehin Tewabe

Sehin Tewabe, a 26-year-old self-taught professional photographer based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, grew up with an innate passion for photography. Coming from a large family, she was constantly surrounded by joyous moments that held significance and deserved to be preserved. Sehin took it upon herself to capture these moments by grabbing any camera available, immortalizing them and nurturing her love for photography in the process. Through the use of her creative force and natural light, Sehin strives to capture the essence of reality and express her own sensibility.

As social media gained popularity, Sehin’s ambition was fueled, providing her with a platform to showcase her work to a wider audience. Although she does various genres of photography, she acknowledges that she has yet to find her niche and believes there is still much to explore.
Sehin has actively participated in various photography events, including art sales and international exhibitions. Her notable achievements were organizing and exhibiting her first solo exhibition, titled “Ashendiye in Lalibela,” as well as selling her work at an international women’s day art exhibition held in the British embassy. Additionally, she has showcased her photographs at prominent exhi- bitions such as Addis Foto Fest, one of Africa’s leading photography festivals, Capture Addis and recently participated in a two-person exhibition in Cologne, Germany which served as a turning point in her photography career.

She also co-founded the “Artawi Gallery” with photographer Abinet Teshome.

Addis Through my lens

In this photo collection, Sehin explores the bustling streets of Addis Ababa, allowing herself to be drawn to the play of lights and the allure of natural frames that guide her lens. She sees colors that dance before her eyes, and she embraces the opportunity to manipulate them, merging elements together to create captivating images that tell a story.

Her focus is on capturing the beauty of the mundane and the candid moments that unfold on the streets. She seeks to reveal the hidden beauty that can be found in the ordinary.

This photo collection is a testament to Sehin’s keen observation, artistic vision, and unwavering dedication to capturing the essence of the street.

  • A man in a black jacket and gray cap stands in front of a light blue vintage van in an urban setting with high-rise buildings, street lamps, and other vehicles in the background. The van has several windows and is parked on the street.

    6,000 ETB

    Size - 30x40cm

  • Person wearing a headscarf standing outside a storefront with a large glass window, inside a woman is cooking, and a person with a backpack is looking inside, on a tiled sidewalk with a turquoise wall background.

    6,000 ETB

    Size - 30x40cm

  • Four women wearing headscarves and traditional clothing are gathered in front of an orange metal Coca-Cola sign, looking inside a small structure or stall.

    6,000 ETB

    Size - 30x40cm

  • A young man walking on city street carrying a large woven basket on his head, with buildings and pedestrians in the background.

    7,000 ETB

    Size - 40 X 60 cm

  • People walking and sitting on benches along a sidewalk against a brick wall, some with heads covered with hoodies or scarves, some looking at their phones, with food and water bottles placed nearby.

    4,000ETB

    Size - 20 X 30 cm

  • A person cleaning or preparing the counter inside DJ's Café, seen through a glass window. The café has a dark wall with a large sign featuring a steaming coffee cup and the café's name.

    4,000 ETB

    Size - 20 X 30 cm

  • Children playing soccer outdoors in the late afternoon or early evening with the sun setting in the background.

    6,000 ETB

    Size - 30x40

  • Three women wearing colorful traditional clothing and headscarves walking on a city street past an old, weathered, multi-story building with arched windows and a pointed roof.

    6,000 ETB

    Size - 30x40cm

  • A small street shop with a boy in a red outfit standing in front of it, selling drinks and snacks, in an outdoor area with a dirt ground, rusty corrugated metal roof and a partly cloudy sky.

    6,000 ETB

    Size - 30x40cm

  • Two police officers are standing on a dirt mound in front of a beige building, with a shadowy wall dividing the scene.

    6,000 ETB

    Size - 30 X 40 cm

Beyond Borders

Harar, Lamu & Stone town Connected

Photo Exhibition by Abinet Teshome & Sehin Tewabe

This exhibition is a testament to the uncharted, unforeseen, and profound connection found across three ancient cities: Harar in Ethiopia, Lamu in Kenya, and Stone Town in Tanzania. Through the lenses of photographers Sehin Tewabe and Abinet Teshome, these cities come alive—not as far-off locations but as intertwined cultural threads that speak to a shared African heritage.

The journey began with no fixed agenda—just a desire to travel, explore, and immerse. What transpired was a cross-section of three nations, revealing striking parallels in language, religion, culture, and architecture. The unprompted discovery became the foundation for this exhibition, where stories of simplicity, beauty, and resilience are told through the daily lives of these cities.

This collection captures more than fleeting moments. In the mundane, Sehin and Abinet found poetry: the stillness of quiet streets, the vibrancy of colors on walls, and the symmetry that frames each shot. They uncovered stories that transcend borders—moments that highlight the shared humanity of these places. From Harar’s narrow alleys to Lamu’s dhow-filled waters and Stone Town’s intricately carved wooden doors, their work speaks of connections that run deeper than geography.

Despite challenges like weather, unfamiliar roads, and the absence of external funding, these photographers turned obstacles into opportunities. During their year-long journey, they captured over 5,000 images and collaborated with a friend for the final selection of photos for curation purposes with Eyoeal Kefyalew, refining the narrative into this selection—a story told in still frames, each carrying the spirit of the streets.

This exhibition represents a significant milestone for Artawi Gallery. A year after its opening, this marks the first duo exhibition by the gallery’s founders. At its heart, this exhibition is about reclaiming narratives. African stories are rarely told through African eyes, and this project serves as a powerful reminder of what happens when we take ownership of our own stories. Sehin and Abinet hope their work will inspire others to explore their own lands, celebrate their cultures, and find the beauty in what might otherwise be overlooked.

About the Photographers

Abinet Teshome

Abinet, a versatile photographer from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, discovered his passion for photography in 8th grade. Street photography quickly became his preferred medium for capturing the vibrant beauty of everyday life. With a talent and keen eye for seizing decisive moments, Abinet honed his skills through projects in various genres. He chose to pursue photography wholeheartedly, leaving university to study Film and Cinematography.

Today, Abinet continues to explore different genres while maintaining a deep connection to street photography, where he discovered his artistic voice. His talent has been recognized through exhibitions in Ethiopia, Eritrea, Italy, Norway, the UAE, and Germany. He received second place in the National Geography AFF portfolio review award and was selected for Lens Culture’s renowned collection, “Daily Street Photography Inspiration From Around The World.

Abinet also co-founded the “Artawi Gallery” with fellow photographer Sehin Tewabe, serving as a platform that connects artists with the art community in Ethiopia.

Sehin Tewabe

Sehin Tewabe is an award-winning Ethiopian photographer based in Addis Ababa and the co-founder of Artawi Gallery, Ethiopia’s first photography gallery. A self-taught artist with a background in accounting, she discovered her passion for photography while capturing the vibrant moments of her large family, transforming them into timeless images.

Specializing in portraiture, documentary, and commercial photography, Sehin uses natural light to evoke emotion and authenticity in her work. Over the years, she has participated in international exhibitions and events, earning recognition for her unique creative voice.

Motivated by her own challenges in finding spaces to exhibit her solo photography work, Sehin co-founded Artawi Gallery to support the local photography community and create opportunities for artists to showcase their work in Addis Ababa.

EXHIBITED PHOTOS

  • A man riding a bicycle down a narrow street lined with white buildings with wooden shutters and wires overhead. Some signs are visible on the buildings.

    Stone Town, Tanzania 2024, ©Sehin Tewabe

    30x45CM , 10,000 ETB

  • Two women in patterned dresses and headscarves standing and talking outside near a doorway in a residential area.

    Harar, Ethiopia 2024, ©Sehin Tewabe

    30x45CM , 10,000 ETB

  • View into the interior of a mosque through an ornately carved wooden door frame, showing worshippers sitting on a blue patterned carpet, with shoes left outside.

    Lamu, kenya 2024, ©Abinet Teshome

    30x45CM , 10,000 ETB

  • Women standing outside a small shop, waiting to buy goods, with one woman at the counter. The shop has a white exterior wall with items displayed inside and a red Coca-Cola crate outside.

    Harar, Ethiopia 2024, ©Sehin Tewabe

    30x45CM , 10,000 ETB

  • A young girl sitting on the ground with her arms around her knees, wearing a yellow headscarf and a red dress with floral patterns. She is next to a red wall with white text that reads 'THE MOST AFR...' and a jar of water behind her.

    Harar, Ethiopia 2024, ©Sehin Tewabe

    30x45CM , 10,000 ETB

  • A young boy with dark curly hair, wearing a beige t-shirt and dark jeans, paints a wall with a brush in one hand while holding a rope attached to a donkey with the other. The donkey is carrying large bags on its sides and is standing on a tiled street. There are people and buildings in the background.

    Harar, Ethiopia 2024, ©Abinet Teshome

    30x45CM , 10,000 ETB

  • A small donkey with a basket on its back standing outside a shop, where three men are engaging in a transaction. One man is handing a loaf of bread to another. The shop has orange signage with white text and is situated on a street with worn white walls.

    Lamu, kenya 2024, ©Abinet Teshome

    30x45CM , 10,000 ETB

  • A young man wearing a purple shirt and dark apron is grilling skewered meat on a barbecue outdoors.

    Stone Town, Tanzania 2024, ©Abinet Teshome

    30x45CM , 10,000 ETB

  • A young woman wearing a white hoodie and black gloves leans on a railing near the water, looking to her left with a calm, contemplative expression. In the background, there are buildings along the shoreline and boats on the water, under a cloudy sky.

    Lamu, kenya 2024 ©Abinet Teshome

    30x45CM , 10,000 ETB

  • A man riding a motorcycle on a coastal road with boats in the background and people walking on the shore.

    Lamu, kenya 2024 ©Abinet Teshome

    30x45CM , 10,000 ETB

  • A man carrying a basket on his head wades out of the water near a boat, with other people and sailboats in the background at the shoreline.

    Lamu, kenya 2024, ©Sehin Tewabe

    30x45CM , 10,000 ETB

  • Three women wearing colorful hijabs sitting on the sandy beach, viewed from behind.

    Stone Town, Tanzania 2024, ©Sehin Tewabe

    30x45CM , 10,000 ETB

  • Two young men walk along the beach during sunset, with the ocean in the background and others wading in the water.

    Stone Town, Tanzania 2024, ©Abinet Teshome

    30x45CM , 10,000 ETB