:: Asmara's Clocktower ::

Spirits overlook Asmara, protecting a Tigre woman and Tigrinya woman who march fearlessly through the Eritrean city. Behind them an ethereum clocktower plants itself as the capitol marker--the future is today.

Since the Eritrean war of liberation from Ethiopia (1961-1991), women have been essential in fighting for an equal and democratic society, even participating as guerilla soldiers. They represented 33% of the Eritrean army. Eritrea today continues to find itself in regional conflict with Ethiopia, specifically the War in Tigray.

This piece was inspired by the women today who continue the traditions of their mothers, aunts, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, and ancestors boldly advocating against injustice in Eritrea and Ethiopia.

Religious iconography in East Africa are some of the oldest forms of art in the region dating back to the kingdom of Axum’s 4th century church wall paintings. The style of iconography is characterized by vibrant colors, large eyes, and typically depicts sacred stories from the Bible. ::