Michael Hailu: Art as a Weapon for Wisdom and Change

The Art of Questioning Power and Identity

Hailu’s work critically examines Ethiopian politics, particularly the ideological homogeneity of its parliament despite the country’s ethnic diversity. He questions how power structures function and reflect—or fail to reflect—the true voices of the people. His 2024 solo exhibition at AKKA Project Venice, Silence the Gun, explored these themes, offering an incisive critique of conflict, governance, and identity.

Beyond political discourse, Hailu also challenges traditional gender roles. Declaring himself his own muse, he frequently paints himself in female postures and figures, exploring the constructs of masculinity and femininity. Inspired by Greek mythology, he employs gold backgrounds for women and silver for men, referencing the myth of Pandora and reversing the narrative that undermines women’s societal positions. Through this visual language, he seeks to dismantle ingrained gender hierarchies and encourage new perspectives on identity and equality.

FOWSKOW MOMENTS: A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY AND INTERCONNECTEDNESS

Hailu’s exhibition at AKKA Project in Venice, Fowskow Moments, marks a shift in his exploration—from systemic critiques to a deeply personal reflection on identity and community. The term “Fowskow” originates from his childhood, where it was more than just a name; it was a shared identity among the children in his neighborhood. Whenever someone called out “Fowskow,” it signified a collective response, a bond of unity and mutual support. This philosophy of togetherness, akin to the African concept of Ubuntu—"I am because we are"—is at the heart of Hailu’s latest body of work.

Through this series, he reflects on how his Ethiopian roots and his experience living in Vienna have shaped his artistic perspective. He sees his work as a bridge between worlds, illustrating the ways in which identity is fluid and ever-evolving. His paintings explore the tension between individualism and collectivism, the personal and the universal, and the past and present. Themes of duality—light and dark, joy and sorrow, war and peace—continue to permeate his work, offering viewers an opportunity to reflect on the complexities of human existence.

ART AS A PATHWAY TO WISDOM

Untitled, 2024

For Hailu, art is more than self-expression; it is a pursuit of wisdom and a means to challenge ignorance. His early dreams of becoming a soldier or a lawyer were driven by a desire to fight for justice, but he ultimately chose art as his weapon of choice. He sees ignorance as the root of many societal issues, and through his work, he aims to combat it, igniting conversations that lead to deeper understanding and enlightenment.

His philosophy is rooted in observation, reflection, and questioning. He challenges the narratives we accept, whether about power, gender, war, or community, and encourages his audience to do the same. In Fowskow Moments, he invites viewers to embrace the interconnectedness of all human experiences and to recognize that our individual stories are part of a larger, shared existence.

A CALL TO REFLECTION

Untitled, 2024

As Fowskow Moments opens at AKKA Project Venice from March 1 to March 31, 2025, Hailu continues to push the boundaries of contemporary African art. His work not only highlights the socio-political landscape of Ethiopia but also offers a universal message about identity, community, and the pursuit of wisdom. By weaving together personal history, cultural philosophy, and artistic innovation, he creates a body of work that is as thought-provoking as it is visually compelling.

For those who engage with Hailu’s work, whether in Venice or beyond, the question remains: How do we define ourselves in relation to those around us? And how can art serve as both a mirror and a catalyst for change?