Lawrie Shabibi is delighted to present Through the Window – በመስኮቱ ውስጥ, a solo exhibition by Elias Sime, one of Ethiopia’s most acclaimed contemporary artists. He is well-known for transforming technological elements, such as colourful wires, circuit boards, and electronic components, into intricate compositions that blur the boundaries between the digital world and organic nature. The exhibition will run from 15 April to 24 May 2025.
The show’s title, Through the Window, alludes to literal and metaphorical apertures: portals that shape perception, whether through architectural structures or digital screens. The layered textures of aerial landscapes, circuit pathways, and organic topographies in Sime’s work invite contemplation on interconnectivity and the materials that define our digital reality.
At the core of his practice is a deep engagement with the process rather than just the final product. His work is about transformation: the physical alteration of materials and the shifting perceptions of the relationship between technology and humanity. In an interview with Hyperallergic, he expressed concerns about our reliance on technology: “There is a very tight relationship between humans and the machine. […] It becomes so much a part of us that we can’t even disconnect from it. It actually takes us from being human, connects us to becoming selfish […].”
Sime meticulously selects and assembles industrial remnants, creating intricate networks that evoke strong emotional responses. At first glance, his works resemble maps, urban grids, or topographical landscapes. However, upon closer inspection, they challenge viewers to reconsider the limitless possibilities of imagination and the environmental consequences of unchecked technological growth.
Sime’s art explores the interplay between structure and fluidity. The precise arrangement of electronic components underscores the fundamental role of connectivity in modern technology and human history. Through his work, Sime illuminates the complexities of progress, questioning the price of innovation and its impact on our environment.
About the artist
Elias Sime (b. 1968, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) has been a prominent figure in the contemporary art scene. He gained international recognition for participating in the 59th Venice Biennale (2022) as part of Cecilia Alemani’s The Milk of Dreams and for his celebrated Tightrope series, which explores the tension between technological advancement and the natural world.
Sime has displayed his art pieces in numerous exhibitions around the world, such as the Dak’Art Biennale of Contemporary African Art in Dakar (Senegal) and in the USA at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York) and the Studio Museum (Harlem). His works are part of the collections of more than 40 institutions, which include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Detroit Institute of Art, and Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, to name a few.
About Lawrie Shabibi
Lawrie Shabibi, located in Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, champions emerging and mid-career artists from around the world, with a particular emphasis on the Middle East and North Africa. Over the past five years, the gallery has focused on introducing artists from different regions and generations, with special attention to underrepresented voices. In addition to its dynamic exhibition program, Lawrie Shabibi collaborates with museums and participates in major international art fairs. Through exhibitions, screenings, artist talks, publications, and critical discourse, the gallery continues to play a vital role in shaping Dubai’s contemporary art scene.
To learn more about Through the Window, please go to the official web page of the show.
Additionally, you might be interested in visiting Of Dust and Woven Air by Seher Shah.
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