"People are Watching Television" reflects on the pervasive influence of media in our daily lives, particularly the news we consume and how it shapes our understanding of the world. Getaw explores the emotional and psychological effects of being bombarded with information, from political upheavals and natural disasters to cultural shifts and social justice movements. The television, both a literal and symbolic presence, acts as a conduit for a constant stream of stories—some urgent, some trivial—each one reflecting a larger, often chaotic world. While technology allows us to witness global events in real-time, it can also cultivate a sense of helplessness as we struggle to process the overwhelming flood of information. Ultimately, "People are Watching Television" is a commentary on how news media, particularly in its modern form, shapes and distorts our perceptions of reality. The artwork invites reflection on our relationship with media and the responsibility that comes with being informed in an age where information is both overwhelming and fragmented.

Kidane Getaw

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Kidane's work delves into the enigmatic realms of dreams and nightmares, reflecting on how these inner experiences both mirror and transcend the mundane aspects of waking life. He seeks to unravel the complex interplay between reality and illusion, revealing how our deepest musings, desires, and fears shape our perceptions and actions. He captures the intricate web of human emotions and subconscious influences, inviting viewers to navigate the blurred boundaries between lived experience and dreamlike reverie. His work offers a space where the dualities of reality and illusion coexist and interact, encouraging deeper reflection on the intertwining of our dreams and waking lives. Characterized by its introspective approach, Kidane Getaw’s work evokes the delicate dance between reality and fantasy, inviting audiences to explore the hidden depths of human experience.Artist Statement My work explores the intricate relationship between our dreams and nightmares and the realities we navigate in daily life. These vivid experiences often reside in our subconscious, shaped by our thoughts, fears, and the complexities of our waking existence. They can manifest as reflections of our everyday activities or as surreal representations that challenge our understanding of reality. As we sleep, our minds tirelessly process a multitude of information, resulting in a tapestry of images that may be unfamiliar, strange, or even entirely new. This jumble of visuals and emotions influences our conscious thoughts and actions, blurring the lines between reality and the dream world. In this liminal space, dreams and nightmares serve not only as reflections of our psyche but also as means of anticipating potential futures. The interplay between our daily experiences and the psychological landscapes we traverse in dreams and nightmares is the foundation of my work. I aim to capture the mysteries of these interactions, inviting viewers to engage with the depths of the human psyche. My current series, “Exhausting Nightmares,” seeks to explore the spectrum of dreamlike encounters while highlighting the profound connections between these experiences and contemporary life. Through my art, I aim to draw attention to the religious and spiritual narratives that often permeate our daily lives, illuminating how our subconscious shapes our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.