At an engaging panel discussion at Battery in San Francisco, moderator Chuck guided a conversation about Eritrean art, its ancient origins, and its contemporary evolution. The discussion covered the rich artistic legacy of Eritrea, from prehistoric rock paintings and ceramic artifacts to the influence of the Kingdom of Adulis and the Orthodox Coptic Church on Eritrean culture. Panelist Esayas shared his research on decoding ancient languages and the connections between Eritrean scripts and Egyptian hieroglyphs, while curator Natasha explored the challenges Eritrean artists face in gaining visibility compared to other regions, particularly West Africa.
The event highlighted the unique contributions of contemporary Eritrean artists like Robel Solomon Tewledemedin, Tesfalem Atenaw, and Nebay Abraha, focusing on how their art preserves cultural identity and responds to modern struggles. The conversation emphasized the importance of institutions, galleries, and collectors in supporting and promoting underrepresented African art.
