Mekdes W Shebeta

Mekdes W Shebeta is an Oslo based artist, born in Ethiopia. She has studied fine art in Addis Ababa and interior architecture in Nairobi, as well as sculpture and digital art at the academies in Oslo and Bergen. Her works have been shown in solo and group exhibitions in Ethiopia, Kenya, Finland, Dresden and Norway. 

During her residency in S12 Mekdes worked on creating glass components for her project, “ጸጥታ” Tseteta, which combines ancient wisdom, healing practices, traditional design, and handcrafts to create a contemplative arena for storytelling. It features two clay and paper architectural structures adorned with copper-stained glass and thousands of glass beads. The project incorporates audio with nature sounds, spiritual melodies, andsun-themed paintings. By integrating traditional architecture, sound, and light, she aims to create a space that encourages connection, contemplation, and meaningful engagement. 

The glass components made in S12 were abstract shapes, symbolizing a womb and fallopian tubes, and will incorporate LED lighting that allows for slow dimming and bright flashes, creating a sense of motion. This was Mekdes´s first time working with glass.