States of Becoming

States of Becoming  examines the dynamic forces of relocation, resettling, and assimilation that shape the artistic practices of a group of contemporary artists of African descent working in the United States. The exhibition is inspired by curator Fitsum Shebeshe’s 2016 move from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to Baltimore, and subsequent firsthand experience with cultural assimilation. Organized by Independent Curators International.

Artists featured in the exhibition include Gabriel C. Amadi-Emina, Kearra Amaya Gopee, Kibrom Araya, Nadia Ayari, Vamba Bility, Elshafei Dafalla, Masimba Hwati, Chido Johnson, Miatta Kawinzi, Dora King, Helina Metaferia, Nontsikelelo Mutiti, Yvonne Osei, Kern Samuel, Amare Selfu, Tariku Shiferaw, and Yacine Tilala Fall.

EXHIBITION-RELATED PROGRAMS:
States of Becoming Opening Reception I Friday, January 31, 6:00-9:00 pm
Curator’s Gallery Talk I Saturday, February 1, 10:30-11:30 am

ABOUT THE CURATOR—

Fitsum Shebeshe is a curator and painter based in Baltimore and Washington, DC. He is currently the Gallery Director at Harmony Hall Regional Center in Fort Washington, Maryland. Before moving to the United States in 2016, he was Assistant Curator at the National Museum of Ethiopia. In 2012, Shebeshe co-founded the 1957 Initiative to annually celebrate the liberation of African countries from colonialism through the arts. In 2013, he curated the 1957 Art Show at the National Museum of Ethiopia on the occasion of the 50th Golden Jubilee Anniversary of the African Union, and in 2017, he was the curator of Depart Africa, at the Baltimore School for the Arts. Shebeshe holds a Masters of Fine Arts in Curatorial Practice from the Maryland Institute College of Art.

States of Becoming is a traveling exhibition curated by Fitsum Shebeshe and produced by Independent Curators International (ICI), New York.
IMAGE: Gabriel C. Amadi-Emina, Fade Catcher, 2021, diptych photographic print on museo silver rag adhered flat on wooden panel, 30 x 30 in; 24 x 30 in, Collection of the artist