About the Exhibit
Pole ni dawa (concern is like medicine) is a Swahili proverb. Our concerns are driven by emotion - "a natural instinctive state of mind deriving from one's circumstances, mood, or relationships with others." This family collection of treasured oil on canvas paintings by the Eritrean art legend, Woldu Afewerki, are full of stories and sentiments. Sharing stories of tradition, triumph and tragedy, these excellent signposts are rich in colour, texture and depth. Join the Woldu Family on this unique journey across over 20 pieces that depict how their father, husband, teacher and friend reaches out to create empathy and understanding with his art.

About the Artist
Woldu Afewerki was born on April 14, 1955, in Asmara, Eritrea. He studied elementary, middle and high school in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and joined the Addis Ababa School of Fine Arts in 1974. Later he joined the Eritrean People's Liberation Front where he used art to create powerful messages. After the Eritrean independence, he worked as a professional art teacher in the Asmara School of Fine Arts.

Today his work is exhibited and sold around the world. This includes his 2017 Beijing 798 Art District exhibit. He is a national treasure, father and husband who shares his art as a tool of communication everywhere from coffee shops to hospitals. He has trained his wife, daughter and son in art disciplines to ensure his talent spreads throughout generations. Visit this two month-long exhibition that merges rich modern and traditional concepts to form new abstract perspectives.