Lot 80: Elias Sime (Ethiopian, born 1968) What is Love 2008 unframed

What is Love 2008
coloured thread and shell on canvas
95 x 62cm (37 3/8 x 24 7/16in).
unframed

Provenance:
A private collection.

Sime was born and raised in the rough, crowded neighbourhood of Cherqos, Addis Abeba, Ethiopia, where he continues to live and work. Growing up in an area known for prostitution and the sale of contraband goods could have made for a grim childhood, but instead, Sime uses the experience to gleam his artistic vision. His intense connection to life in Cherqos is integral to his work.

Sime frequently depicts vibrant open market scenes, stitching texture and atmosphere with varying hues of yarn and cloth. Hand stitching is intrinsic to Sime's process, each scrap of yarn intentionally placed and purposefully sewn with the utmost care.