“A mark, as physical and present as cave-markings… reveals the thinker behind the gesture—an evidence of prior markings of ideas and self onto the space.”
Tariku Shiferaw (b. 1983 in Ethiopia) is known for his practice of mark-making that explores the metaphysical ideas of painting and societal structures. This formal language of geometric abstraction is executed through densely layering material to create “marks,” gestures that interrogate space-making and reference the hierarchy of systems. As the artist explains, “A mark, as physical and present as cave-markings… reveals the thinker behind the gesture—an evidence of prior markings of ideas and self onto the space.”
Now Tariku has created a Kickstarter Campaign to publish his new book 'One of These Black Boys'.
"One of These Black Boys comes from a place of not belonging in the canon of Western art history. Growing up in Los Angeles, I was often made to feel that I did not belong as an American. I was ‘othered’, often because of my name, which sounded more foreign than I wanted it to. This initially caused me to figure out what it means to be Black and simultaneously first-generation immigrant in America. As a mode of inquiry and a set of ideas the series resonates now more than ever. Join me in bringing this publication to life and ensuring the longevity of this body of work in the history of art."
"The publication will consist of two newly commissioned texts and over 100 images, making the publication the only comprehensive overview of this critically acclaimed body of work. The two texts, a 5000-word essay by Dr. Ayanna Dozier and a conversation between myself and artist Tomashi Jackson, offer a deeper insight into my practice as an artist and the concepts, materials, and inspirations in my work. These dialogues open up a larger conversation on what it means to leave a mark in the world–as an artist and as a human being."
To read more or suppport Tariku Shiferaw, follow the link:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/abstractexit/one-of-these-black-boys
