Mahilet Afework’s Tribute to Memory
- written by Nafkot / Studio 11
A year ago, we stumbled upon Mahilet Afework in the most unexpected way. Her friends, knowing the quiet brilliance of her work, submitted her pieces for a group exhibition along with their works. Among the entries, Mahilet’s stood out, a raw and deeply emotional exploration of memory and identity. We were instantly captivated. Beneath her unassuming demeanor lay an artist with the ability to transform the ordinary into something profoundly moving.
Fast forward to September 2024, and Mahilet is making her solo debut with Frozen Moments. The exhibition is a heartfelt journey through time, an homage to the power of memories to ground us, comfort us, and remind us of who we are. Using vintage objects like rotary phones, vintage furniture, and family photographs, Mahilet’s art is an invitation to viewers to step into her past moments of joy, simplicity, and longing.
Her pieces are a delicate balance of personal narrative and universal emotion. Each object she selects feels imbued with life, a fragment of a larger story that, while rooted in her own experiences, resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt the ache of nostalgia. As Ethiopians, this connection feels particularly poignant. In a time when our nation is undergoing profound changes Mahilet’s work offers a chance to reflect on where we’ve been and find solace in the shared beauty of our past.