NAIROBI, KENYA - In a significant cultural moment for the East African art scene, emerging Ethiopian artist Tibeb Sirak is holding his first solo exhibition in Nairobi. Titled ‘Weight of the Unseen’, the show, running until Friday, October 27, 2025, at the Village Market Rooftop Gallery, presents a profound exploration of heritage, memory, and resilience through the artist's unique woodcut prints. The exhibition not only marks a milestone for the young artist but also underscores Nairobi’s strengthening position as a vital hub for regional artistic exchange.

Born in Jijiga, Ethiopia, and raised in the Somali region, Sirak’s work is deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of patterns and traditions from his dual Ethiopian and Somali heritage. His art gives form to the intangible, exploring what he calls the "quiet burden of memory, survival, and identity." The figures in his work are often enveloped by intricate, layered patterns, emerging as both “fragile and unyielding.” These patterns are not merely decorative; they are a language Sirak uses to articulate complex human experiences. “My practice revolves around patterns, not just the visual designs but as a form of memory, culture and the way the society behaves,” Sirak told The EastAfrican on Friday, October 24, 2025. He views them as a way of “putting the past and the present together to translate experience.”

Nairobi: A Regional Artistic Crossroads

The decision for an Addis Ababa-based artist like Sirak to stage his debut solo show in Nairobi is a testament to the city’s burgeoning status as a cultural capital for the region. For years, Nairobi has been attracting artists from across East Africa, including Ethiopia, Sudan, and Uganda, who are drawn to its vibrant gallery scene and growing collector base. Institutions like the Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute (NCAI), established in 2020, are dedicated to the growth and preservation of contemporary art in East Africa, further solidifying this role. Galleries such as Circle Art Gallery have also played a crucial part, having previously hosted exhibitions like 'Addis Contemporary' to introduce Ethiopian artists to Kenyan audiences. This cross-pollination enriches the local art scene, fostering a dynamic dialogue between Kenyan artists and their regional counterparts about shared histories and contemporary challenges.

Technique and Themes

A graduate of the Addis Ababa School of Fine Arts and Design, Sirak specializes in woodcut printmaking, a physically intensive medium he combines with acrylic on canvas and paper. This technique allows him to create richly textured and layered compositions. The process itself is meditative for the artist, a way of connecting with his cultural origins. “The physical act of carving into wood, a natural material, along with the manual labor and craftsmanship, grants me freedom in the creative process,” Sirak stated to Amasaka Gallery. His work delves into the symbolic power of patterns found in traditional textiles and jewelry, reinterpreting them to explore universal human experiences. He sees these patterns as metaphors for life's rhythms and the repetitive sequences of behavior and thought that shape our lives.

The figures in Sirak’s art are central, often enmeshed in the very patterns that represent their cultural and personal histories. They are vessels of endurance, carrying the weight of what has been survived without being explicitly spoken. His art does not shout; it persists, inviting viewers to look beyond appearances and witness the invisible forces of history and resilience. This exploration of shared humanity, viewed through the specific lens of his Somali and Ethiopian background, offers a powerful point of connection for audiences in Kenya and beyond.

As the East African art market continues to grow and gain international attention, exhibitions like ‘Weight of the Unseen’ are crucial. They not only provide a platform for rising stars like Tibeb Sirak but also strengthen the cultural bonds within the region, creating a more unified and vibrant contemporary art ecosystem. The show is a significant addition to Nairobi's cultural calendar and a compelling glimpse into the future of Ethiopian art.

DETAILS UNCONFIRMED: There are conflicting reports regarding Tibeb Sirak's year of birth. Amasaka Gallery and Latitudes Online state he was born in 2001, while TewasArt Africa and African Digital Art report his birth year as 2002. Further investigation is required to confirm the exact date.