Echoes of Identity, Acrylic on Canvas 120 x 120 cm, Dereje Shiferaw, Ethiopia

This piece is a striking blend of a central figure painted in a stylized manner, wearing a white jacket and standing in stark contrast to the vibrant, textured background. The background is filled with layers of symbols, letters, and patterns, drawing from various cultural and artistic influences: bold blues, yellows, and reds, as well as birds, fish, and geometric shapes that add layers of meaning.

The overall composition feels dynamic. The figure is an anchor amidst the background’s vibrant chaos and speaks of the interplay between modernity and tradition.