The triumph of individuality: a unique painting by an Ethiopian artist at the "Legacy for the Future" exposition
The
exposition "Legacy for the Future" at the National Centre RUSSIA
conveys the notion of a future where every individual is valuable and unique in
their own way. A painting with the unusual title "The Name I Refused to
Earn (26922)" reflects on the importance of preserving individuality amid
the daily hustle of life.
Through a
whimsical allegory, the painting presents visitors with an autobiographical
narrative. Yared Tadesse, a graduate of the Addis Ababa University School of
Fine Arts and Design (Ethiopia), depicted himself in the artwork. The figure of
a young man wearing a respirator is surrounded by polygonal details symbolizing
aircraft engines, which the artist used to paint while working for a large
company. The respirator signifies hazardous working conditions, while the
peculiar number 26922 represents the actual employee number under which the
aspiring artist performed his duties.
"As in
many other large enterprises, employees are assigned a specific number upon
hiring. This number is used to access the premises, perform their duties, and
receive their salary, replacing their name in everyday interactions. However,
the artist rebels against this rule. Through his work, he seems to say: 'I do
not want to be a number; I am a human being, and I have a name.' The
butterflies and horses depicted in the painting serve as symbols of personal
liberation," explained Alexander Gaineyev, a guide at the National Centre
RUSSIA.
It is easy
to guess that the artist refused to accept the depersonalizing rule in the
company and ultimately left to pursue a career as a professional artist.
"This
painting encourages us to reflect on how we might truly lose our individuality
and end up living someone else's life without even realizing it. For example,
by completely dissolving ourselves in those we deeply love. Yet, a person is
born to freely express themselves as an individual, resist manipulation,
continually grow, realize their talents, and showcase them to the world,"
said Maria Kalashnikova, a visitor to the Exposition from the Saratov region
who traveled to Moscow.
The
exposition "Legacy for the Future" presents works by young artists from
six countries: Russia, China, India, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Iran. Through their
art, these creators offer personal responses to contemporary challenges. They
reflect on the present, express their attitude towards the past, and
contemplate the future.
Visitors to
the National Centre can explore the exposition independently or join free
guided tours, available in 30-minute or one-hour formats. Registration is
available on the website under the "Events" section.
On 11 April, the original project Open Lecture Hall "Inventing the Future: Geography" opened at the National Centre RUSSIA.
