Ezra Wube

In Wube’s latest video “Darkness” (2021) the artist questions negative associations of the word, presenting it instead as “the alpha and omega,” a productive force behind the formation and existence of the universe and a condition leading to the possibility of light and images, as experienced in time. A continuous, fast-paced slideshow of black and white images culled from Google searches of compound words beginning with “dark” form the background for vivid animations of the same words, in an attempt to undermine any viewers’ preconceptions. Wube stresses that while blackness is visible because of the presence of light, darkness, defined as the absence of light, cannot be seen or therefore described.

Inspired by an unaccomplished personal project, in this animation I’m exploring ideas of intention, extension and failed romanticism. I used images and texts from mass produced postcards, packaging, calendar booklets, books, posters and pamphlets that were created and used as political propaganda devices for the invasion of Ethiopia by Fascist Italy during WWII. Some of these prints were on the front covers of school notebooks, some were games that taught the geography, history, and natural resources of Ethiopia. In some games, the winner was the first to capture the capital city, Addis Ababa. — EW

Reflecting growing up in Ethiopia in the 1980s' part of a group show titled: "Feedback: Art, Africa and the Eighties"

Reflecting growing up in Ethiopia in the 1980s' part of a group show titled: "Feedback: Art, Africa and the Eighties"

Reflecting growing up in Ethiopia in the 1980s' part of a group show titled: "Feedback: Art, Africa and the Eighties"

Prior to making this animation Wube walked around the block of 165 street, visiting the surrounding stores and meeting passersby. He asked the people he met to offer him their Words of Wisdom or a small material object. Based on their words of wisdom and imagery from their business cards, he began working on a painting, photographing it's progression, which resulted in time-based painting or animation. The animation continued to develop communally throughout the exhibition period, engaging visitors who contributed to the piece by drawing, painting, collaging, and deciding on compositions or colors.

Prior to making this animation Wube walked around the block of 165 street, visiting the surrounding stores and meeting passersby. He asked the people he met to offer him their Words of Wisdom or a small material object. Based on their words of wisdom and imagery from their business cards, he began working on a painting, photographing it's progression, which resulted in time-based painting or animation. The animation continued to develop communally throughout the exhibition period, engaging visitors who contributed to the piece by drawing, painting, collaging, and deciding on compositions or colors.

Based on memories of Wube's daily commute.

Based on memories of Wube's daily commute.

Based on memories of Wube's daily commute.

A goat, a dog and a donkey on a journey in a taxi.

After a few months of travel we returned to Addis Ababa to the house were I grew up. I wanted to hear a story from my grandmother, Tafesech Zeleke, who raised me. She told us the story, Wenzu, in her kitchen. When she passed away I decided to make this piece.

After a few months of travel we returned to Addis Ababa to the house were I grew up. I wanted to hear a story from my grandmother, Tafesech Zeleke, who raised me. She told us the story, Wenzu, in her kitchen. When she passed away I decided to make this piece.

In this short animation, each constructed scene is based on suggestions from passersby. Wube would approach individuals that he had never met before and ask them to direct him towards their favorite place in the neighborhood. After going there and sketching the environment he then asked another passerby to lead me to their favorite place and so on.

In this short animation, each constructed scene is based on suggestions from passersby. Wube would approach individuals that he had never met before and ask them to direct him towards their favorite place in the neighborhood. After going there and sketching the environment he then asked another passerby to lead me to their favorite place and so on.

In this short animation, each constructed scene is based on suggestions from passersby. Wube would approach individuals that he had never met before and ask them to direct him towards their favorite place in the neighborhood. After going there and sketching the environment he then asked another passerby to lead me to their favorite place and so on.