Duality of One is a a profound exploration of identity. Carefully curated, it features fifteen photographs drawn from eightt collections, offering a rare window into Aïda’s artistry over a 6-year period spanning 2014 to 2019.
This exhibition promises more than visual delight; each collection offers a provocative exploration of political, social, gender, religious, spiritual and post colonial identities in a rapidly modernizing world. Aïda’s artistry and the curatorial endeavor into this theme serve as catalysts for introspection, stimulating a rich dialogue among its audience.
Aïda Muluneh’s inspiration is rooted in Ethiopia, but the issues she addresses resonate far beyond its borders. They speak to a broader African reality—a continent grappling with its multifaceted identity tied to a colonial past that brings about instability and conflict.
Through vivid imagery, Aïda confronts the battles we face within ourselves and in the world. "The Wolf You Feed" (2014) deals wih themes of human nature and delves into the choices we make and their profound impact they can have in transforming our world. It prompts us to question if we choose to remain passive and part of the problem or choose to become agents of change.
Having resided in Addis Ababa for nearly a decade, Muluneh reflects on the quest for perfection in an imperfect world. "The World Is 9" (2016) invites us to ponder questions about who we are as people, about life, love and history. It emphasizes the need for strength and in a world filled with uncertainty.
Inspired by the Cuban film "Memories in Underdevelopment," "Memories in Development" (2017) delves into the intricate relationship between political structures and the evolving societies in Africa. It prompts reflection on the impact poor leadership has on the the society and also on our personal lives.
"The Distant Gaze" (2017) draws from images captured by foreign photographers of Ethiopian and Eritrean women. In this collection, Muluneh challenges the objectification and commodification of the black female body. She reimagines and reinterprets these images, sparking a vital conversation about the portrayal of women and the contemporary issues they face.
By choosing to remain passive while the world burns, we are complicit in the deterioration of society. "Memory of Hope" (2017) is a call to action to become a catalyst of change. it highlights the darkness in humanity in our refusal to acknowledge, the suffering of others. ignorace is no longer an option.
Addressing the critical issue of water access, "Water Life" (2018) highlights its profound impact on women in rural regions. Through her powerful images, Muluneh underscores the vital role water plays in women's liberation, health, sanitation, and education. She emphasizes the urgency of supporting access to water in these communities, where women often bear the disproportionate burden of fetching water for their households.
Drawing from her experiences in Addis Ababa, Muluneh's visual language is rooted in photojournalism and poetry. “Mirror of Soul” (2019) becomes an intimate expression of Aïda’s innermost thoughts and experiences.
Echoing Emily Dickinson's sentiment, “Wings That Soar” (2019) collection embodies hope as a resilient force. These images serve as a testament to the enduring power of hope, even in the face of adversity. Through each piece, Muluneh reminds us of the strength we posses as individuals and as a collective.
Muluneh's collections offer a profound journey through the complexities of human existence, inviting us to reflect, question, and act. Her art transcends boundaries, speaking to the universal truths that bind us all. In this exhibition, we find not only a celebration of her artistic prowess, but also a mirror held up to our own identities, complexities, and potential for change.
