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Type:
Articles
Place:
Ethiopia
Date:
1992
20th century
Notes:
Modern Ethiopian artists retain deep attachment to the rich cultural heritage of Amharic civilization and the iconography of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, although many have lived in exile for years. Time and distance have strengthened the vision, not dimmed it. Most of the artists of the "sign and symbol" have had long residences abroad. The two luminaries are painters Gebre Kristos Desta (1932-1981) and Skunder Boghossian (1937- ). They served as mentors and inspiration for a host of others -- Abdel-Rahmam M. Sheriff, Theodros Tsige Markos (1936- ), Zerihun Yetmgeta (1941- ), Endale Haile Selassie (1945- ), Acha Debela (1947- ), Tesfaye Tessema (1952- ), Wosene Kosrof (1950- ), Falaka Armide (1935- ), Seleshi Fescha (1944- ), Alemayehou Gabremedhin, and Elizabeth Atnafu. Also discussed is Ethiopian filmmaker Haile Gerima (1948- ).
