Beyond The Street

Group Graffiti & Mural Exhibition

G r a f f i t i is an art form where writings and drawings are scribbled, scratched or sprayed on a wall or other surface in a public place. Graffiti plays with symbols, letters, & figures, to explore the artist’s creativity. It is also an expressive art where the artist either uses premeditated sketches or freely draws without any judgement.

A M u r a l is a painting or other work of art executed directly on a wall or ceiling. It takes hard-work, patience, and discipline to complete a piece. It is usually a collaborative work where communication and synchronicity are essential. Mural art requires technicality as it is a grandiose puzzle piece that brings attention to details.

In this exhibition, we bring the street art to the walls of the gallery. B e y o n d t h e S t r e e t is the first graffiti exhibition that invites the audience to experience these art forms in a close and personal space. By the use of canvases and traditional Ethiopian objects, we traverse graffiti art in a unique way.

The show reflects on different Ethiopian sayings and familiar scenes in colourful compositions that convey the artists’ freedom and creativity. We delve deeper in this art form through the use of objects such as barrels, stools, beer bottles, cardboards,

and traditional items as ‘Qil’ ‘Ensira’ & ‘Jebena’.

This exhibition also showcases the work of students that took the second muralworkshop in Addis Ababa held in the gallery. For most of the students this was their first experience in mural art where they were challenged to work in a limited time-frame and challenging conditions. Despite having met in this workshop, they all displayed qualities that parallels professionals in this industry.

B e y o n d T h e S t r e e t is a movement led by Artawi Gallery that aims to break barriers and bring attention to undiscovered subcultures and give platform to new artists and art forms.

Exhibited Artists Biography

Saron Bogale

S a r o n B o g a l e is an Ethiopian architect, muralist, and set designer whose creative work merges art and creativity. As the founder of Joniya Studio, Saron leads a variety of artistic initiatives, including workshops, events, and children's art classes, with afocus on community engagement through mural art. Her work is prominently displayed at the Italian Cultural Center, French Embassy, and Goethe-Institut, as well as through collaborations with the Setawit Project and Addis Street Art. Saron’s contributions to the cityscape reflect a commitment to enriching public spaces and fostering artistic expression among emerging artists.

Efrata Birahnu

E f r a t a B i r a h n u is an Ethiopian visual artist and muralist recognized for her dynamic sketches and paintings that bring life to public spaces across Addis Ababa. Beginning her full-time career in 2018, she has since become a notable figure in the local art scene, transforming walls into vibrant canvases. Efrata's murals, often created in collaboration with organisations like the European Union and Addis Street Art, can be seen in well-known locations such as Sarbet, the Goethe-Institut, Alliance Ethio-Française, Lycée Gebremariam, and Shifita Foods, where she captures cultural

narratives through colour and form.

Mussie Belachew

M u s s i e B e l a c h e w , known as Mudot, is an Ethiopian digital artist and illustrator celebrated for his simplicity and character-driven designs. His work spans ink sketches, digital art, and murals, blending classical and contemporary elements to explore themes of youth and expression. Mudot’s illustrations create connections through colour and have been showcased in digital exhibitions. He is also the co-founder and Creative Director of Colorem Design Studio.

Workshop Participant Artists

The participants of this mural workshop, aged 19 to 27, come from diverse backgrounds, including a high school graduate, architecture students, architects, a business owner, a fashion design graduate, an anesthesiologist, a visual artist, and an interior designer. For most, this workshop marks their first experience with mural art, offering a unique opportunity to enhance their skills and push their creative boundaries. Through this collaborative environment, each participant has explored new artistic possibilities and developed a deeper connection to public art.

1. Abigail Eshetu

2. Bethelhem Kebede

3. Fasika Teklemariam

4. Fiker Tewodros

5. Hiwot Wondale

6. Milka Mulugeta

7. Nathnael Boresa

8. Robel Teketel

9. Ruth Getachew

10. Sara Berhanu

11. Tewodros Amare