Not many people think of African artists when the topic of art comes up. I too, am guilty of being ignorant to the beauties that have been crafted within the borders of Africa. One such beauty, was created by an artist by the name of Gedewon who, using ink, crafted what at first glance looks like a mess, but once the viewer looks closer deep layers of detail and intricate patterns begin to come into focus.
Gedewon. Untitled. Ethiopia, 1996. Ink.
This is one of Gedewon’s intricate works, which is done with multiple shades of ink on paper. It is composed of very tight designs and thousands of little pen strokes that when put together create aesthetically appealing patterns. I love this piece, first because of its uniqueness, and second because of the amount of color and the intricacy in the patterns.
Gedewon himself is just as unique as his art. Growing up in Ethiopia, Gedewon became a christian at a very young age and by the time he was an adult he was known as “one of the finest practitioners of poetry and rhetoric in the Ethiopian Catholic Church” (Caacart.com). His proficiency for poetry and rhetoric can be seen in his designs; with the tightness of his lines which conceal the true depth of his art from a distance.
Gedewon, like his artistic works, are together, a treasure which is commonly overlooked; but both should be valued for their artistic contribution and unique style.
Works Cited
Gedewon. Untitled. Ethiopia, 1996. Ink.
Contemporary African Art Collection. N.S. Pigozzi, Jean. 12 Apr. 2013. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. http://www.caacart.com/pigozzi-artist.php?i=Gedewon-&bio=en&m=54
Nate's Thoughts 
When I first looked at the artwork, I though it was a design made out of yarn. It also looks like some sort of vision which you find after looking at it for a period of time. I agree with you that this piece is unique, it is unlike any other artist’s work I’ve seen before. Great choice for this assignment!
This is such an interesting piece, Nate. It does looks sort of jumbled and confusing, but as you look closer it becomes really interesting to see what patterns are used where. That it is all done with ink is really amazing. It reminds me somewhat of the really beautiful Islamic art that they used to decorate their mosques and stuff in the middle ages. Thanks for sharing this one. There is some really cool African art out there.
When I first looked at this art it looked like beads or maybe mosaic art but then a closer look
maybe it was gel pens. It is awesome! intricate and beautiful with many colors and so many curly lines. I enjoyed the information that you included in your blog too. Great Blog this week!
At first had to say this looked like that art work you would get frim a preschool during bubble art day but as I looked closer I could see the smaller designs within the art work. It’s amazing, I love the use of colors and how they blend together perfectly. Great Post Thanks for sharing.