Press Release
Photographer Chronicles Journey To Save Homeland
May 25, 2009
Childhood memories inspire global photographer, Andarge Asfaw's journey home to Ethiopia after a 27-year hiatus, to capture his native land's exquisite beauty, and its deeply imbedded religious and historical significance. The land as he remembered it is threatening to disappear completely due to the ravages of deforestation. The ecological balance and the very survival of Ethiopia's cultural heritage are in great peril. Andarge hopes his photographs will help Ethiopia's "soul" to endure by promoting awareness of its plight, and affecting positive changes.The Hallmark Museum of Contemporary Photography will exhibit Mr. Asfaw's remarkable visual essay, "Ethiopia: From The Heart", in its Gallery 85 location at 85 Avenue A at 3rd Street, Turners Falls, MA, from July 3 through September 21, 2008.
Andarge Asfaw is a 1976 graduate of the Hallmark Institute of Photography, who now resides in Silver Spring, MD. The Hallmark Museum of Contemporary Photography honors his return to the area, by hosting a public reception of his photographic exhibit on Saturday, September 13, 2008 from 1-5 p.m. Live music and hors d'oeuvres will be available as Mr. Asfaw greets visitors and distinguished guests. Extended viewing hours are available on this day only, till 7 p.m.
Complimenting the exhibition, a visually stimulating "Artist's Talk" will occur at the Hallmark Institute of Photography's Educational Center auditorium, the evening of Sept. 13, at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:45 p.m with refreshments, seating begins at 7:15 p.m. The HIP Educational Center is located at 27 Industrial Boulevard, Turners Falls, MA.
Andarge will present a program designed to provide a more in depth look at Ethiopia and the challenges that it faces, while explaining more about his life's experiences in photography. Refreshments will be served and Mr. Asfaw will be available for questions and book signings after the talk.
"There is a story behind every image that I capture. When I look into the eyes of someone in one of my photographs, I am captivated by their presence. In my landscapes, I seek the wisdom of the past. Leaves, a cave, a pile of stones, all represent the soul of a place." Andarge Asfaw's insightful words, speak to a cultural heritage and identity that is quickly vanishing. "The trees had disappeared. Wildlife that had crossed the roads not far from the region where I had grown up was absent. Many of the ancient religious sites were crumbling away." Ethiopia is in crisis. It needs alternatives to burning wood for fuel. Andarge hopes his images will inspire a call to action, to save the people and extraordinary habitat, and allow the world to hear with its eyes.
While operating a successful commercial photography studio for over 20 years called "F-stop Studio" with partner, Donna Jones, Mr. Asfaw also teaches photography at the Washington School of Photography in Bethesda, MD, VisArts in Rockville, MD, and the Art League School in Alexandria, VA. A portion of the profits of his book, "Ethiopia: From The Heart", funds tree planting projects and the distribution of energy efficient cookers to critical regions in Ethiopia.
The Hallmark Museum of Contemporary Photography is proud to support and encourage the appreciation of photography through the recognition of regional, national and international professional photographic artists. Regular museum hours are Thursday through Sunday, 1-5 p.m. All events are free and open to the public. Contact info@hmcp.org, 413.863.0009 or www.hmcp.org for further information.