WOSENE WORKE KOSROF: BEYOND CONFIGURATIONS

Madelyn Jordon Fine Art is delighted to present WOSENE WORKE KOSROF: BEYOND CONFIGURATIONS, a solo exhibition featuring select new works. This exhibition will run from May 10 - June 8th, 2024.

Join us on Saturday, May 11th, from 12:00 to 4:00 PM for an open house reception of WOSENE WORKE KOSROF: BEYOND CONFIGURATIONS and the unveiling of our newly expanded gallery space. This event will coincide with ArtsWestchester's Family ArtsBash, enhancing the celebration of art and community.

Wosene Worke Kosrof, born in 1950 in the Arat Kilo district of Addis Ababa, stands as a beacon in the realm of contemporary African art. With over four decades dedicated to his craft, Wosene, known professionally by his first name, has garnered international acclaim for his innovative approach to painting.

Trained both in Ethiopia and the United States, Wosene emerged as one of the first African contemporary artists to capture global attention. His artistic vision is a fusion of diverse influences, ranging from African traditions to personal reflections, from the rhythms of American jazz to the techniques of Western art.

At the heart of Wosene's distinctive style lies his ingenious use of the Amharic script, one of the world's oldest languages. As the first Ethiopian-born contemporary artist to incorporate these symbols into fine art paintings, Wosene transforms letters into universal forms, transcending linguistic boundaries. His canvases are vibrant tapestries of color and texture, where simplified letter forms engage in a rich dialogue with meticulously crafted symbols.

Drawing inspiration from American jazz, Wosene infuses his works with the dynamic energy of improvisation. Fractured images of musical instruments and notes dance across his compositions, interwoven with everyday objects and figures. The result is a visual symphony of joy and whimsy, where each stroke of paint echoes the syncopated rhythms of jazz.

Wosene's art has captivated audiences worldwide, with exhibitions hosted in prestigious galleries across the globe. His works grace the collections of esteemed institutions such as the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, the Library of Congress, and the National Museum in Addis Ababa, among others.

As Wosene continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression, his legacy as a pioneer in contemporary African art remains indelible. His work serves as a testament to the power of creativity to bridge cultures and inspire generations.