REFRAME ETHIOPIA
Photography Exhibition by Abinet TeshomeWhat makes up a country aside from its landscape, resources, and history? Behind all the imagery which those with power always tend to manipulate as they see fit, there are the people overshadowed by these false narratives. I believe when it comes to representing our land and the people in it, creatives also hold a great responsibility to share a bold and truthful voice, making us fellow ambassadors where each of us carries and reflects the stories our people live by. As it is present day happenings making up rituals, then culture, and later on history, “Reframe Ethiopia” is all about shedding light on all the daily affairs and every aspect that contributes to life in Ethiopia.
For so long, the wilderness, poverty, war zones, starving children, and the like, have been the identifying symbols when representing Africa. Even in the film industry, there is a well-known cinematic coloring dedicated to it, a technique which instantly communicates the poor state the country is in without even the need for words. In the name of documenting and storytelling, we have seen how many stories have been reported through a manipulated media where photography played a main role.
Reframe Ethiopia’s main goal is to rewrite the spoiled narrative of Ethiopia from a local storyteller’s perspective. As a photographer who has spent years on the streets with its people and on the road with its nature, capturing images between 2019 and 2023, I have learned how to communicate with the soul of storytelling through the language of beauty and truth.
Beyond the Teaser
It is important to note that this is not a project intended to cover the whole of Ethiopia just by myself, considering the country’s vastness. Rather, this exhibition is a teaser for what is coming next. Each piece of work carries the untold stories of the peaceful communities which for years have been depicted as uncivilized, the serene lands behind the warzones many actively tried to hide, and spiritual practices, places, and beings which exist in such harmony regardless of the differences the media actively tries to feed and spread.
When first drafting this concept, it stemmed solely from the burdening feeling of responsibility that I, as a creative, carry around with me. The exhibition was initially planned to be hosted two years ago, but trying to secure the right places, venues, and galleries proved difficult, which ultimately led my friend, photographer Sehin Tewabe, and me to create our own space: Artawi Gallery, for our photography community to showcase exhibitions.
While the intense workload of opening and running Artawi Gallery for the past two years, and showcasing 20 different exhibitions, delayed this show, and though it is always better to be late than not showing, now is the time. Imagine: if this is what I could achieve on my own, imagine what could be done to change the image of our country if I collaborated with the right institution or received the right support.
Reframe Ethiopia is bound to reframe our beliefs, grudges, fears, and misconceptions we have been holding on for so long out of a lack of understanding. It will be an unlearning experience in order to learn about the real Ethiopia.
About the Photographer
Abinet Teshome, a versatile photographer from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, discovered his passion for photography in his teenage years. Street photography quickly became his preferred medium for capturing the vibrant beauty of everyday life. With a 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, Germany, and Tanzania. He received second place in the AFF portfolio review award sponsored by National Geographic and was selected for LensCulture’s renowned collection, “Daily Street Photography Inspiration From Around The World.”
Expanding his influence internationally, Abinet is also a key collaborator in Street Macadam, a dynamic global platform that curates and showcases the phenomenal work of street and documentary photographers worldwide. This platform serves as a hub for workshops, events, and the prestigious Macadam Award, reinforcing his commitment to the global street photography community.
As Abinet grew as an artist, he recognized the challenges within the country’s art industry, where opportunities for artists to showcase, sell, and create their work were often limited. Committed to solving this, Abinet and fellow photographer Sehin Tewabe co-founded the Artawi Gallery in December 2023.
In under two years, Artawi Gallery has hosted 20 exhibitions, providing a vital platform for more than 30 emerging and established artists. The gallery also serves as a crucial hub for artistic events, workshops, and art talks. Despite the significant difficulties of running an independent art space in Addis Ababa without cultural or governmental support, Abinet and Sehin are deeply committed, funding the gallery entirely from their personal photography assignment earnings, which is a true testament to their dedication to the art community.
This commitment extends beyond the gallery walls. Abinet’s distinctive style and consistent visibility on well-known international photography pages and websites have successfully placed the Ethiopian street photography scene on the world stage. His efforts, alongside those of his contemporaries, have inspired a new generation of photographers, transforming street photography into the most practiced genre in Ethiopia and establishing what is now widely recognized as the biggest street photography scene in Africa.
Artist Statement: Seeing the Soul of Ethiopia
My work is driven by a deep conviction that every component of an image, including the subject, the light, and the composition, is as vital as the overall picture. While the Gestalt theory suggests the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, I believe the individual parts are where true meaning resides. This meticulous attention to detail guides every picture I take, combining deliberate intention with a carefully crafted environment.
My recent work is focused on a vital initiative: redefining the visual narrative of Ethiopia. I use travel and observation as my primary sources of inspiration. The established, often negative, depiction of this land fails to capture its rich aesthetic beauty, vibrant nature, and resilient community spirit. My goal is to change that.
Whether I am working with my phone or my camera, I approach the streets not just as a photographer, but as a lifelong observer. I look past the simple act of walking subjects; I seek the story each person carries. Learning the art of that conversation, a fundamental value instilled in me by my mentor, the renowned photographer Aida Muluneh, is the key to my process.
My visual style is a form of Impressionism, emphasizing natural light to enhance the minute details of the scene. I intentionally use a calm, soothing color palette and a balanced, simple composition. This approach ensures both the subject and the viewer have “space to breathe,” creating an immediate emotional connection and revealing the life and soul of the moment.
My journey to becoming a photographer has been one of persistence, navigating the challenges that come with establishing an artistic career. This struggle has reinforced my belief in the importance of mentorship. I am now dedicated to contributing to the emerging community of young creatives. Through mentorship programs, I aim to share the knowledge I’ve gained, focusing specifically on the art of visual storytelling. I believe that truly understanding and connecting with the subject, specifically the depth of the human element, is more crucial for capturing life than simply capturing a scenic view.
