By Candace Winegrad
Local artist Fasika Moges is of Ethiopian descent, but spent much of his adult life studying in Poland and Germany before coming to the United States. Moges, who has shown his art in Germany and Paris, said that he tries to convey his travels as a “connected journey.”
Moges is one of 40 local artists whose work is currently on display at the University House retirement community in Wallingford. It is part of “North South East West,” an art exhibition showcasing artists and their experiences in their home countries, their travels and sometimes as refugees in other countries. An open house with music and refreshments kicked off the exhibition Thursday night.
Artist Fasika Moges, with his painting “Axum to Space Needle.”
“[My art] goes with me,” said Moges. “I try to celebrate the places I go, and ended up, and I try to summarize those cultures and paint something.” One of Moges’ paintings on display, “Axum to Space Needle,” does just that. In this piece he juxtaposes a famous, ancient obelisk from Axum, Ethiopia, with Seattle’s own Space Needle. The paired figures are surrounded by pastel and neon hues, making the painting jump to life.
“Forgotten City” by Véronique Le Merre
Moges said that he is trying to “connect the two cultures,” while using “color, shape and form to communicate.” The exhibit includes paintings, sculpture, glass art and drawings. Nearly every area of University House is used to exhibit the art, from the lobby and entryway, to the dining area and residential hallways, turning the retirement community into a rich and varied art gallery.
Residents and guests wait for the “North South East West” exhibition to officially open.
Ethiopia is but one of the many countries represented in the show. One hallway reveals Asian-themed pop art, paintings from France and landscape pieces of Denmark; another wall features work reflecting ancient China as well as the inside of a Japanese vending machine.
“North South East West” is on display through Feb. 12, 2012 at University House, 4400 Stone Way N. The free exhibit is open to the public between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
(Candace Winegrad is a student in the University of Washington Department of Communication News Laboratory.)
