Portraits of Local Heroes Form the Backbone of Aïda Muluneh’s Major Exhibition at Impressions Gallery
Jan 10 – Apr 26, 2025
Aïda Muluneh celebrates the diversity of the UK in 2025 with Nationhood: Memory and Hope. This outstanding collection of new photography provides a modern-day insight into the UK’s four nations, shining a spotlight on individuals who quietly and tirelessly work to make our world a better place.
Nationhood: Memory and Hope opens in January 2025 at Impressions Gallery before traveling to Street Level Photoworks in Glasgow, Ffotogallery in Cardiff, and Belfast Exposed, making this the first UK City of Culture project to take place in all four nations of the UK.
Commissioned by Bradford 2025 and Impressions Gallery in partnership with Belfast Exposed, Ffotogallery Cardiff, and Street Level Glasgow. Read More >>
Second Nature: Photography in the Age of the Anthropocene
Aug 29, 2024 – Jan 05, 2025
Second Nature is the first major exhibition to explore the Anthropocene through contemporary photography, featuring works by Aïda Muluneh alongside forty-five other global artists. This exhibition presents a range of artistic methods that reveal the complexities of this proposed new epoch.
The artists showcase compelling imagery addressing critical issues such as climate change, colonial legacies, and socio-environmental trauma. Organized into four thematic sections—“Reconfiguring Nature,” “Toxic Sublime,” “Inhumane Geographies,” and “Envisioning Tomorrow”—the exhibition emphasizes the diverse relationships between humanity, industry, and ecology in the Anthropocene.
A Portrait of Us
Sept 09 – Oct 06, 2025
Commissioned by Bradford 2025 and Impressions Gallery, Aïda created a major new artwork for Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture. This inspiring project celebrated the first phase of the exhibition.
A Portrait of Us honored local heroes from Bradford and three other UK cities: Belfast, Cardiff, and Glasgow. Aïda’s powerful photographs paid tribute to individuals who worked quietly yet tirelessly to improve their communities, ensuring they received the recognition they deserved through their portraits showcased across the city.
The exhibition was on display until 6 October 2024, highlighting the incredible contributions of local heroes. Read More >>
Aïda Muluneh Named Nominator for Prix Pictet
Oct 02, 2024
Aïda Muluneh has been appointed as a nominator for the prestigious Prix Pictet, representing the Africa section. She joins a distinguished group of over 300 leading experts in the visual arts from around the globe, including directors of major museums and galleries, as well as notable journalists and critics. In this role, Aïda will contribute to the global search for images of high artistic quality and narrative power that resonate with the theme of each prize cycle. Read More >>
The Daniele Tamagni Grant
Aug 20, 2024
The Daniele Tamagni Grant 3rd edition call for artists is officially open.
- The Grant is addressed to emerging photographers whose work engages with the African continent or its diaspora, without restrictions in terms of the applicant’s nationality.
- Applicants must be over 18, with less than five years of professional experience.
- An adequate proficiency of English is required.
Panel Discussion
May 02, 2024
Join Aida Muluneh on the panel “Women Changing the Face of Documentary Photography” alongside @smitashrm and Leah DeVun, moderated by @jsybylla at the SDN 2024 Visual Storytelling Festival.
Ebb and Flow
Mar 23, 2024
‘Ebb and Flow’ by Aïda Muluneh and Meryl McMaster, curated by Lindsey Sharman, explores the significance of water, referencing recent memories, historical events, family lore, and deep pre-human histories. Don’t miss this exhibition, running until July 7, 2024!
2024
How two renowned photographers are defying African stereotypes
CNN | 2024
Ethiopian photographer Aida Muluneh is inspiring the next generation of visual storytellers, while South African Trevor Stuurman hopes to uplift young creative minds by curating their work through physical and digital platforms. Read More…
2023
We’re contemporary, we’re traditional, we’re unique’: the African photographers rewriting the rules
The Guardian | July 04, 2023
From female bikers decked out in pink to dreamy desert tableaux, a new exhibition replaces two centuries of Western influence with Africans’ own liberated visions Read More…
A World in Common: Contemporary African Photography Review- Find playfulness(If you can)
The Time | July 04, 2023
A World in Common: Contemporary African Photography at Tate Modern
The Voice | July 05, 2023
Featuring the work of 36 artists from different generations and geographies, the exhibition celebrates the dynamic landscape of photography across the African continent today. Read More…
Examining 'A World In Common' at the photography exhibition at Tate Modern
Stir World | May 24, 2023
The modern photography exhibition 'A World In Common' by Tate Modern looks at the dynamic landscape of photography and video from the African diaspora. Read More…
African legend: Aïda Muluneh
Selmata Magazine | June 01, 2023
The acclaimed Ethiopian photographer talks about moving into fine art, mobile phone photography, and Addis Ababa’s evolution Read More…
The Art of Advocacy’: Aïda Muluneh’s vivid photographs are forces for change
Wallpaper Magazine
I purposefully selected works that respond to themes of human rights, environment, conflict, and health as these continue to be prevalent global issues.
Each project, the artist explains, ‘relates to encounters that I have experienced in my personal life and also in my professional career as a photojournalist. Having spent many years working close to several communities, the artistic interpretations of unspoken realities have manifested within the images presented,' she says. Read More…
Aïda Muluneh’s solo exhibition at Dubai’s Efie Gallery tackled topics of advocacy through surrealist photography
Identity Magazine | March 22, 2023
There is no mistaking the striking images of Ethiopian photographer Aïda Muluneh, which typically depict female figures with faces bearing masks, paint and intricate patterns, dressed in chromatic garments. Read More…
17 Must-See Exhibitions This Winter and Spring, From New York to the Ivory Coast
Vogue | January 6, 2023
Artist Aïda Muluneh: ‘We were at the mercy of foreign photographers
The Financial Times | January 12, 2023
On the streets of Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, Aïda Muluneh’s photographs are popular with local businesses: printed from the internet and placed in windows as makeshift adverts for everything from hair salons to tour operators. ‘I think it’s hilarious — they could have chosen a photo of Beyoncé, but they chose to take my strange work because they saw something in it,’ says the Ethiopian-born artist and entrepreneur, speaking on Zoom from Abidjan, Ivory Coast. ‘I usually call them up and tell them not to do it again but that’s when you know you’ve reached people when you’ve made an impact as an artist when the work goes to every corner." Read More…
AÏDA MULUNEH'S GLOBAL ART PORTAL CARRIES A STUNNING DISPLAY OF AFRICAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Ebony | January 20, 2023
Discovering the work of African photographers has become a much simpler process, thanks to Aïda Muluneh’s new online portal. The famed Ethiopian photographer has launched AfricaFotoFair.com, an African-led digital art platform. Read More…
Photographer Aida Muluneh and her quest to deliver 'magic moments' frame by frame in Dubai
The National | January 21, 2023
‘Art is about your own vulnerability, which means that it's your own truth,’ Muluneh tells The National. ‘This is what I teach young photographers. If you're not able to express your own truth, the audience also reads into that. Read More…
Aida Muluneh Is Bringing Art to the People
WWD | February 15, 2023
The photographer collaborated with Public Art Fund and JCDecaux for a public art project installed in New York, Boston, Chicago, and Côte d’Ivoire. Read More…
Powerful Representations
Aesthetica Magazine | February 19, 2023
“I’m at a point in my life and career where I’ve realized my art can have more purpose than just hanging on a white wall in a gallery,” Muluneh told Wateraid. “I want it to convey a message, to transmit an idea to different people regardless of ages, class, race or nationality. Read More…
Public art Fund Presents Bus shelter exhibits of photographs by Ethiopian Artist
Brooklyn Eagle | February 28, 2023
CITYWIDE - Commuters will be able to view a photo Exhibit while waiting for their bus Read More…
AÏDA MULUNEH’S STRIKING NEW PHOTOGRAPHS MERGE PERSONAL, HISTORICAL, AND SOCIAL PERSPECTIVES OF ETHIOPI
The City Life | February 28, 2023
Public Art Fund Unveils “Aïda Muluneh: This is where I am” in NYC, Chicago & Boston
Gotham To Go Art And Culture | February 28, 2023
5 BEST PUBLIC ART INSTALLATIONS IN NYC MARCH 2023
Untapped Cities | March 1, 2023
From March 1st through May 21, 2023, the Public Art Fund will present This is where I am, a series of twelve photographs by Aïda Muluneh, an Ethiopian artist whose work utilizes her cultural heritage as a means to explore themes of history, politics, sense of place, and the climate crisis. Read More…
Public Art Fund opens Ethiopian photographer Aïda Muluneh's international, multi-city exhibition
ArtDaily | March 1, 2023
A Photographer Focuses on Her African Roots — and the Continent’s Future
The New York Times | March 7, 2023
Aida Muluneh, based in Ivory Coast, explores themes of history, politics, sense of place and pressing issues like the climate crisis. Read More…
The story behind this surreal portrait of Ethiopian identity
The CNN Style | March 17, 2023
This Ethiopian artist is featured on bus shelters in the US and Ivory Coast
The World | March 17, 2023
Photographer Aïda Muluneh created public art for Boston's bus stops
The WGBH | March 20, 2023
2022
A Sneak Peek at This Year’s Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival
Sharp Magazine | April 26, 2022
The Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival is officially set to launch its 26th edition in Toronto next month, and it’ll bring a diverse host of thought-provoking lens-based works from Canadian, Indigenous, and international artists to the city. The festival will encourage viewers to reflect on many of the world’s ongoing conflicts through exhibitions, site-specific installations, and commissioned projects at museums, galleries, and public spaces across Toronto. Read More…
Object of the Week: Distant Echoes of Dreams
SAMblog | February 4, 2022
What if you turned on the faucet in your bathroom or kitchen and no water flowed out? How far would you have to go to obtain enough water for your family’s needs for one day? How much do we take our immediate access to clean water for granted?
Using Photography As A Driver Of Sustainability
Irish Tech News | January 24, 2022
Let’s answer the million-dollar question – Why is photography important?
Because it speaks, it communicates, it educates and it cultivates change. I am often asked this question and my answer remains the same always. Photography is not just a tool for artistic expression or documentation, it is a lot more than that. Photography has the power to raise awareness, to change the narrative thus inspiring people to take action, for instance, my work around ‘Water Life’ from 2018 addressed the plight of water access and its impact not only on society but also on women in rural regions, especially so in Ethiopia but also across Africa. Read More..
Aïda Muluneh : Water Life
Partners In Art | April 27, 2022
Partners in Art (PIA) is proud to present the Textile Museum of Canada’s exhibition Aïda Muluneh: Water Life. In partnership with Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival, with additional support from the Aga Khan Museum. Curated by Sarah Quinton, Curatorial Director, the exhibition will be on view at the Textile Museum of Canada from April 27 – September 25, 2022.
The artist shining a light on water poverty in Ethiopia – in pictures
The Guardian | June 25, 2022
Engage, Advocate, Inspire and Empower – Using Photography As a Driver Of Sustainability
Africa.com | January 15, 2022
Let’s answer the million-dollar question – Why is photography important? Because it speaks, it communicates, it educates and it cultivates change. I am often asked this question and my answer remains the same always. Photography is not just a tool for artistic expression or documentation, it is a lot more than that. Photography has the power to raise awareness, to change the narrative thus inspiring people to take action, for instance my work around ‘Water Life’ from 2018 addressed the plight of water access and its impact not only on the society but also on women in rural regions, especially so in Ethiopia but also across Africa. In reality, it is a tool to spread education not only inside our own regions and countries but also beyond our borders to be able to draw attention, start a conversation and bring people together. Read More..
This Being Human
This Being Human | March 22, 2022
This Being Human is a podcast by the Aga Khan Museum and TVO. In every episode, host Abdul-Rehman Malik interviews an insightful guest about Muslim art, culture, history and society. You’ll hear fascinating explorations of everything from prayer and pilgrimage to politics and pop culture, love and education, feminism, film, sports, music, and so much more. Through deep, thoughtful conversations, this one-of-a-kind podcast aims to bridge divides, dispel myths, and allow us to learn things we didn’t know about the kaleidoscope of Muslim experiences in our world today. Read More..
El Anatsui’s ‘Shard Song’ solo to launch Efie Gallery’s Dubai space
GulfToday | February 25, 2022
AÏDA MULUNEH: WATER LIFE AT THE TEXTILE MUSEUM OF CANADA (REVIEW)
ArteFuse | September, 2022
Re-framing the end: Using creativity to address Neglected Tropical Diseases in Africa
PhotoVogue | November 03, 2022
Aïda Muluneh’s striking new photographs merge personal, historical, and social perspectives of Ethiopia
ArtAfrica | December 15, 2022
On the 1st of March, 2023, Public Art Fund will debut ‘This is where I am’, an exhibition of twelve new photographs by Aïda Muluneh on over 330 JCDecaux bus shelters across New York, Boston, and Chicago in the United States, and Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire. The exhibition will mark the first time that Public Art Fund presents artwork on the African continent, simultaneously expanding the organisation’s partnership with JCDecaux beyond the United States. Read More..
2021
Ballarat International Foto Biennale brings the world to Victorian city
ABC News | September 14, 2021
Sifting through 350,000 photographs randomly downloaded from the internet for an art installation, a visitor at a gallery found a photograph of his girlfriend.
The discovery flew in the face of Dutch artist Erik Kessels's intention for the work, now on display at the Ballarat International Foto Biennale (BIFB), which was meant to embody the endless, largely meaningless flood of images most of us experience on a daily basis. Read More…
When plagiarism becomes ‘privileged artistic violation’
Inside Imaging | October 19, 2021
Ethiopian fine art photographer, Aïda Muluneh, has described an Italian student’s image, showing in a group exhibition at the Milan Photo Festival, as ‘blatant plagiarism’ of her best-known photo, Inferno. As seen above the Italian student photographer, Andrea Sacchetti, clearly copied Muluneh’s image, and had it shown in an exhibition at a prestigious photo festival. Muluneh’s image is from The 99 Series, a project commissioned by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art that ‘demonstrate the ongoing global relevance of the themes addressed in Dante Alighieri’s 14th-century epic poem, The Divine Comedy‘. Read More..
Still I Rise by Aïda Muluneh in Abidjan until February 2021
Original - Arts & Culture | January 29, 2021
More than an exhibition, a journey: Aida Muluneh's “Still I rise” exhibition is an invitation to travel. The artist plunges us into his colorful and meaningful universe. She tackles many subjects, always relying on primary colors. The reds are deep. Blues and yellows are seen from afar in his works. These primary colors are a reference to the murals of churches in Ethiopia. Read More..
Women from Nobel Peace Prize 2020: Aida Muluneh's commitment
ELLE | January 24, 2021
Far from clichés, never from the urgencies of reality, Aida Muluneh continues to paint female faces and bodies, invested with symbols and a powerful chromatology, to awaken the ancestral force of change, in the gazes addicted to the conflicts of the world and the strategies to satisfy their appetites. Read More..
2020
Nobel Peace Prize Exhibition 2020: An exhibition about food, war and the World Food Programme
Nobel Peace Center | December 10, 2020
The Nobel Peace Prize Exhibition 2020 is a story about food and hunger as tools in war and conflict. The acclaimed artist Aïda Muluneh has made an exclusive photo series for the Nobel Peace Center. Read More..
The Women Photographers Redefining Surrealism for the 21st Century
Artsy | March 19, 2020
In Surrealist circles in early 20th-century Paris, artists explored the sensuality and desire of the subconscious mind. With prominent male artists at the forefront of the movement, the female form came under their gaze. Women’s bodies “became the ultimate surrealist object, it was mystified, fetishized, and othered,” Izabella Scott wrote for Artsy in 2017. The photographers of the Surrealist movement were no exception. Read more..
The past, present and future of Ethiopia by artist AïdaMuluneh
Middle East Mirror | March 4, 2020
Ethiopian artist AïdaMuluneh's striking photograph titled "The past, the present and the future" depicts three women with blue skin; it is extremely evocative, and reminiscent of the painting "The three ages of Woman" by Gustav Klimt. The photo contains pop-culture elements, calling to mind the comic book character Mystique from X-Men, or Neytiri from the movie Avatar. Read more..
2019
Aida Muluneh: Can you change lives through art?
BBC | October 09, 2019
What comes to mind when you think about the world of art?Perhaps it’s million dollar auctions or celebrated galleries like the Louvre and New York’s Metropolitan. But what about issues such as land rights, the battle for democracy or access to safe drinking water?
The artistic paradox of Ethiopia's water woes
BBC News | September 21, 2019
Renowned Ethiopian artist Aida Muluneh has taken a series of striking images to depict the harsh life of many women in rural areas - especially their daily efforts to obtain clean water for their families.Her Water Life series, which was commissioned by the charity WaterAid, will be on display at London's Somerset House from 24 September. Read more…
AïdaMuluneh’s ‘Water Life’ highlights water scarcity and its burden on women
This Is Africa | September 20, 2019
Ethiopian photographer AïdaMuluneh went to Dallol, Afar, Ethiopia, an extreme landscape where it is dry and hot to capture the essence of water to life. Through her work Muluneh highlights how water scarcity is mainly a burden on women. Read More..
AïdaMuluneh: Water Life
British Journal Of Photography | September 20, 2019
Currently, one in three women in the world do not have access to a decent toilet, and it is estimated that 335 million girls go to school without water or soap available when changing sanitary products. But, the implications of this lack of clean water go beyond immediate health and sanitation issues.
Many societies rely on women for water collection, which is used for cooking, cleaning, and bathing. While living in Ethiopia, photographer AïdaMuluneh encountered women who travelled for hours by foot, carrying heavy vessels of water back to their homes. Her latest series Water Life, commissioned by WaterAid, expresses these harsh daily realities, which not only affect a woman’s personal life but the future of their communities. Now, with the rise of extreme weather events caused by climate change, the competition for clean water is rapidly increasing. Severe droughts make its availability unpredictable, and flooding threatens to contaminate the supply, spreading diseases faster. Read more..
Water Life, fight drought and describe the devastating effects of climate change in a photographic exhibition
In A Bottle | September 18, 2019
MILAN - Photographs taken in the hottest place on the planet to report and combat drought in Ethiopia. The new exhibition by Aida Muluneh is called " Water Life ": described by the Ethiopian artist as " Afrofuturist ", the exhibition intends to show the devastating effects caused by climate change, the arid and dry climate of the most torrid African territories. Read more..
Publications
- The Washington Post
- The New York Times
- The Financial Times
- Newhouse News Service
- Aesthetica Magazine
- Gulf Today
- CNN
- The Guardian
- Vogue
- CNN Style
- Wallpaper
- Forbes Afrique
- BBC Online
- The Washington Post Magazine
- Identity Magazine
- Elle Magazine
- The National
- Artsy
- The National
- Deutsche Welle (DW)
- British Journal of Photography
- Voice of America
- W Magazine
- Time Out (London)
- The Atlantic
- WWD
- NPR
- Dazed Magazine
- Time Magazine
