Wendimagegn Belete
59 x 59 in
(memory) aspects of the artworks and the narratives they convey.
Liminal Space encapsulates the idea of the exhibition as a space where different elements and
narratives converge and interact, as well as the exploration of complex themes related to
materiality, representation, and cultural heritage. The term "liminal" suggests a threshold or in
between space, which aligns with the exhibition's exploration of historical and cultural
intersections.
Parallax suggests a shifting perspective or viewpoint, which aligns with the exhibition's exploration of materiality, representation, and cultural heritage from different angles and through the juxtaposition of diverse elements. It implies a dynamic and multifaceted approach to understanding the complex narratives presented in the exhibition.
Text
in early 20th of Tromsø, Norway and the look towards photographic elements works used/ that involves manually with hand, textual interventions, and physical engagement, thereby exploring the tactile possibilities of photography. Moreover the work explores how camera has been historically employed as a potent tool for reinforcing stereotypes about the rest of the world. Through the lens of the camera, Western perspectives have often portrayed other cultures and regions in a simplistic and skewed manner, perpetuating preconceived notions and biases. This visual medium, at times, reduced diverse and multifaceted societies to a single, one-dimensional image. Such representations often omitted the complexities of culture, history, and identity, focusing instead on exoticizing or sensationalizing differences. This practice of using the camera to stereotype has contributed to the perpetuation of harmful misconceptions and power imbalances, emphasizing the need for more diverse and nuanced storytelling in photography and media to foster a more accurate and inclusive understanding of the world. Furthermore, Belete's exploration of the concept of decay in these aged celluloid photographs yields a visually captivating effect that serves as a metaphor for the erosion of power structures. These works provoke profound contemplation regarding the camera's historical role in perpetuating stereotypes against specific communities and individuals. The exhibition, as a whole, invites viewers to reflect upon how we remember individuals and communities throughout history, emphasizing the pivotal role of archiving and documentation in shaping our collective historical consciousness. The celluloid photographs featured in the exhibition can be seen as vessels containing desires and memories, preserved on a fragile, ephemeral medium susceptible to the ravages of time. Yet, beneath their fragile exteriors, lie our shared thoughts, dreams, and memories, destined for a renaissance in a new and enduring form. This body of work challenges us to confront the construction of social stereotypes, the perpetuation of systems of inclusion and exclusion, and the intricate interplay of memory and identity.
Exhibitions
Wendimagegn Belete, 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, Kristin Hjellegjerde, London, 12 - 15 October 2023