Welcome to the First Edition of Zelaki’s Newsletter

At Zelaki Studios, we are dedicated to creating and curating Afro-centric art and design, crafting original works that celebrate the diverse narratives, traditions, and visions of African culture. Our studio functions as a collective of talented artists and designers—both emerging and established—who share a passion for pushing creative boundaries while staying rooted in African heritage.

Beyond our own work, we recognize the vast and ever-evolving landscape of African art and architecture. That’s where the Zelaki Newsletter comes in. This platform is dedicated to highlighting artistic movements, exhibitions, and innovations from across the continent and beyond. While Zelaki Studios focuses on producing and curating, the newsletter serves as a window into the broader world of African artistry—celebrating the visionaries, the storytellers, and the architects of culture who shape the present and future.

Join us as we explore the latest in African art, design, and architecture.

News from Africa And Beyond

Posthumous Acclaim for Ficre Ghebreyesus

Ficre Ghebreyesus, an Eritrean-born artist, activist, and chef, left an enduring legacy through his evocative, dreamlike paintings. Having fled his homeland at just 16, he arrived in the U.S. in 1981, eventually producing over 800 canvases that explored themes of displacement, memory, and cultural transition. Although his work gained recognition posthumously following his sudden passing in 2012, he continues to captivate audiences worldwide. In March 2025, London’s Modern Art gallery hosted his first solo exhibition in the UK, featuring 25 mesmerizing works that reflect his powerful artistic voice.

Article by: Elizebeth Fullerton, The Guardian

Nairobi Fashion Week Embraces Sustainability

Nairobi Fashion Week 2025 placed sustainability at its core, championing ethical fashion in a landscape often dominated by fast fashion and secondhand imports. Designers such as Maisha by Nisria and Bone Koboyi impressed audiences with innovative creations made from recycled materials and repurposed textiles. This year’s event emphasized responsible sourcing, fair labor practices, and the preservation of African cultural heritage, signaling a shift toward an eco-conscious fashion industry in Africa.

By Caroline Kimeu, The Guardian

'Africa Fashion' Exhibition at Chicago’s Field Museum

On February 28, 2025, Chicago’s Field Museum launched the Africa Fashion exhibition, a celebration of African creativity and sartorial heritage. The exhibition showcases both traditional attire and contemporary high-fashion pieces, including a stunning Azzedine Alaïa dress famously worn by Michelle Obama. Accompanied by a curated selection of music from contemporary African artists, Africa Fashion immerses visitors in the vibrant, evolving world of African style.

Carrie Shepherd, Axios Chicago

*"A Dialogue Between Cultures" by Artsi Ifrach. Photo: Carrie Shepherd/Axios*

ET Flight 302 Crash Site Memorial Monument & Park

In a poignant tribute to the 157 lives lost in the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 tragedy of March 2019, a memorial monument and park have been established at the crash site, approximately 115 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa. Designed by Alebel Desta Consulting Architects & Engineers, the four-hectare site encompasses a memorial space, burial site, outdoor amphitheater, memorial planting area, water features, sculptures, and related facilities. The design thoughtfully integrates the crash site's natural landscape, providing a serene environment for reflection and healing. Distinctive features include landscape elements representing the victims' four continents, with varying heights to symbolize the number of victims per continent, and intimate raised cubicle spaces serving as meditation areas for the victims' families. The project also considers the local community by offering spaces for gatherings, reading, and children's play areas, fostering a harmonious interaction with the surroundings.

Ketema Journal