Silence the Gun by Michael Hailu: Solo Exhibition

AKKA Project is proud to present Silence the Gun, the latest solo exhibition by Ethiopian artist and performer Michael Hailu, from October 3rd to October 21st, 2024 at our gallery in Venice.

This exhibition marks the culmination of years of dedicated artistic development and academic pursuit, which AKKA Project has supported; we are thrilled to showcase the recent evolution of Hailu's distinctive style, highlighted in a brand-new series of striking photographs.

Born in 1999, Michael Hailu is a multi-disciplinary artist and performer from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. His work, which spans photography, video, mixed media, installation and performance, is known for its bold critiques of societal structures, gender norms, and the political landscape especially in his origin country. In Silence the Gun, Hailu tackles the pervasive issue of violence and conflict, drawing attention to both the physical and psychological toll that gun violence inflicts on communities. The show presents a raw, immersive experience, inviting audiences to confront the unspoken traumas often accompanying war and violence.

The exhibition will feature Hailu’s most recent body of work, a series of photographs that continue his signature exploration of identity and power. These powerful images reflect his unique visual language, blending symbolic elements with deep emotional intensity. Known for using his own image as a muse and portraying himself in poses that question traditional gender roles, Hailu’s new work challenges viewers to think about how societal expectations shape our perceptions of violence, masculinity, and peace. His work prompts important questions about the justification of war and the silencing of those who suffer its consequences.