A Rich Legacy, Underrepresented
There’s a story we’re trying to tell, and we can’t do it alone.
Ethiopia has one of the world’s most ancient and richest visual cultures, but when you open most global art history textbooks, Ethiopia is barely mentioned. The symbols, the colors, the brushwork — all remain largely locked away in studio walls, church murals, oral traditions, and local exhibitions that never reached a global stage.
It’s time for that to change.
The Mission: Reviving Ethiopian Art’s Global Voice
I’m Dejene Hodes, founder of Adulis Ethiopian Art. Born in Ethiopia, raised in the West, and now back home, I returned to create something I couldn’t find anywhere else: a platform for Ethiopian artists to speak directly to the world, using their own voices, languages, and visual storytelling methods.
Adulis Ethiopian Art is more than an art launch. It’s a revival — and a reframe of how Ethiopian art is viewed globally.
Why We Need You: Professors, Scholars, Curators, and Thought Leaders
You, as an academic, are someone who doesn’t just teach — you shape how art is viewed, understood, and preserved in the world. Your expertise in thinking critically, writing, curating, and connecting is exactly what we need.
We’re inviting you to join us in whatever way feels right:
- Mentor or Advisor: Help us ensure cultural integrity and academic depth.
- Collaborator: Assist in writing, curating, or advising.
- Partner: Co-curate or guide how the movement evolves.
- Supporter: If you resonate with this work, we would be honored to share it with you.
We’re committed to building this slowly, thoughtfully, and in deep conversation with people like you — people who care about Ethiopian art at its core.
The Bigger Picture: Building Cultural Continuity
We aren’t trying to create another trend. Adulis Ethiopian Art is about cultural continuity and legacy. Through art, we will share the stories of Ethiopia that have been overlooked — from ancient murals to contemporary expressions.
A Conversation that Matters
If this resonates with you, I’d love to have a conversation. Even a 15-minute chat could be the beginning of something powerful.
I’d be honored to share more about the art we’re working with and what’s ahead.
📧 Reach out directly at: CEO@adulisethiopianart.com
Warmly,
Dejene Hodes
Founder, Adulis Ethiopian Art
P.S.
In 2026, we’ll be hosting two small gallery tours per year in select U.S. cities. These will be intimate exhibitions showcasing Ethiopian art that goes beyond the canvas, designed to engage audiences and foster meaningful conversation.
If you know people, spaces, or ideas that could help shape these events, I’d love to hear from you.
