In the heart of Addis Ababa, where Ethiopian culture and modernity intertwine, Aïda Muluneh emerges as a visionary storyteller. Through her lens, she paints emotions, challenges conventions, and empowers African women, all while redefining perceptions and transcending boundaries.
Born in 1974 in Addis Ababa, Muluneh's journey was anything but ordinary. Her childhood unfolded across Cyprus, Greece, the UK, and Yemen before finding a home in Canada in 1985. A camera, gifted by an art teacher, sparked a lifelong passion. That simple gift evolved into an instrument for powerful narratives.
Muluneh's Ethiopian heritage echoes in every frame. Her education at Howard University armed her with the tools to weave visual tales that resonate globally. Her stint as a photojournalist at the Washington Post sharpened her lens to capture the essence of the Ethiopian Civil War. Yet, her artistic compass yearned for something deeper—an exploration of women's lives and resilience.
Muluneh's artistry goes beyond photography; it's a form of art that reshapes perception. Her photographs, drenched in primary colors, pay homage to Ethiopian church wall paintings. Her subjects, primarily women, become a canvas of empowerment.
With each click, Muluneh becomes a storyteller, chronicling women's experiences. She has said, "If you teach something to a woman, you're teaching the whole society." Each camera click challenges stereotypes and gives voice to Ethiopian women. In her "Waiting Room" series, women in traditional attire stand united, their patience echoing their resilience.
Muluneh's "99 Series" celebrates diversity—a symphony of Ethiopian women from different walks of life. Painted against a blank canvas, they wear traditional clothing in bold hues. The portraits epitomize the myriad stories of Ethiopian womanhood.
Beyond art, Muluneh is a force of change. She founded DESTA (Developing and Educating Societies Through the Arts), nurturing talents and catalyzing cultural projects. The Addis Foto Fest, her brainchild, bridges global photographers and sparks conversations about imagery's power.
Aïda Muluneh's work is a visual revolution—a testament to strength, resilience, and empowerment. Her photographs dismantle stereotypes and amplify African women's voices. Her legacy is one of transformation—a legacy that encompasses the present and future of African art.