The Kunstpalast Düsseldorf in Germany is hosting a major exhibition titled Echo የገደል ማሚቶ, featuring Ethiopian artist Elias Sime. Open until June 1, 2025, the exhibition will mark Simes’s first solo showcase in a German-speaking country. “Echo የገደል ማሚቶ,” translated to “The echo of the cliff,” examines Sime’s Works from the early 2000s to the present, emphasizing his innovative use of electronic waste in large-format reliefs.
The term “Echo የገደል ማሚ could mean both reflection and resonance as it captures the interplay of societal and cultural narratives. It highlights the complex relationship between technology, mass consumption, and human connection—central themes in Sime’s work. By repurposing recycled electronic waste, he creates art that links local and global experiences, showing how discarded materials carry remnants of their past. Additionally, “echo” represents the dialogue between the artist and the audience, encouraging interaction and deeper engagement with contemporary issues.
Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 1968, Sime gained international recognition, especially after participating in“The Milk of Dreams” at the 2022 Venice Biennale. He weaves wires and layers of motherboards to produce striking reliefs, that explore the intersection of technology, consumption, and human relationships. Collaboration plays a key role in his creative process, and this theme is also reflected in this exhibition. By assembling everyday objects and discarded electronic components and collecting materials from one of Africa’s largest open-air markets in Addis Ababa, his works transform into a dialogue between two worlds and the neverending evolution of technology and electronic waste.
Image Courtesy of Kunstpalast website.
Accompanying the exhibition is an Open Studio, featuring Sime, held every Sunday from 1 PM to 5 PM. This interactive workshop invites visitors to experiment with materials and techniques similar to Sime’s. The exhibition also offers guided tours in multiple languages, providing deeper insights into Sime’s art and its themes. These tours run throughout the exhibition to enhance visitor engagement and understanding.
This exhibition encourages meaningful discussions about technology, art, and society. Click here to learn more about the work and the open studio programme.
