Frozen Moments
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.
The concept of Frozen Moments is both timely and timeless. In a world that moves faster than ever, Mahilet’s art encourages us to pause, to appreciate the fleeting moments that shape us, and to find beauty in the stillness. Her work reminds us that the past is not just something to leave behind it’s a source of strength, comfort, and identity.
To celebrate this milestone, Studio 11 hosted a private collector’s dinner, inviting patrons and supporters to immerse themselves in Mahilet’s vision. We asked guests to share a memory that felt as precious as those captured in her art. It was a humbling experience to witness how Mahilet’s work inspired people to open up, reflecting on moments they hadn’t revisited in years.
We owe a special thanks to AfroCoffee, whose partnership has been a constant source of support. Their contribution allowed us to create an evening that perfectly mirrored the essence of Frozen Moments warm, reflective, and deeply meaningful.
This exhibition isn’t just a celebration of Mahilet’s talen but a reminder of the importance of remembering. In these rapidly changing times, Frozen Moments feels like a love letter to Ethiopia’s collective nostalgia, inviting us to treasure the past even as we forge ahead.