CONCRETE CHIAROSCURO


CONCRETE CHIAROSCURO

Arat Kilo area is poised for an aesthetic makeover as a massive corridor construction pulverises through what some consider urban landmarks, and others regard as antiquated vestiges of a bygone era. An interesting optical horizon emerges as the socialist Dergue regime's former base of operations is razed, with the ruling party's headquarters peeking from the backdrop. The area, which has served as a cultural epicentre and grounds for the palaces of successive rulers, will be adorned with amphitheatres, vast pedestrian sidewalks and bike lanes if the project goes according to the City Administration's plan.


In-Picture

CURVY CORRIDORS

Rows of metal cups offer liquid solace for mourners going to the cemetery around Yeka Michael Church. An eerie optical illusion occurs as the row of cups seem to curve alongside the winding road. Traditional drinks made of cereal variety (Rhamnus prinoides) and Gesho and fermented honey are often served as refreshments in Ethiopian ceremonies of celebration and mourning. While tea and water are also offered in metallic cups colloquially known as nickel, a cold offering during social occasions of...


In-Picture

SLEEK SLABS

A street food vendor around the Stadium area pockets his inventory on a cosy corner wall. The area is being renovated as the eponymous soccer field's protracted construction nears completion. Bicycles for rental, informal driving instructors and the make-shift tent shops synonymous with the area are being slowly removed.  The six-decade-old stadium has been under construction for five years due to changing contractors and skyrocketing input costs. Kejela Merdasa, the minister of Culture & S...


In-Picture

CERAMIC SILHOUETTES

A new statue with emblems of the African Union hoisted atop traditional Ethiopian warriors casts a towering shadow across city hall near the Adwa Zero Kilometer Museum. The gargantuan project, spanning 45,000sqm, has recently opened its doors to the public to significant fanfare. The 4.6 billion Br project is made of 11 blocks that have auditoriums that can house 4,000 people at a time, galleries, gyms and art installations. A connecting bridge to the Mayor's office located across the street has...


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