Portrait of Elias Sime. Source: Artsy
Circuits of Memory: The Assemblage Practice of Elias Sime
Introduction
In an era defined by rapid technological obsolescence, the physical remnants of our digital lives—keyboards, motherboards, and tangles of copper wire—often end up discarded and forgotten. For Ethiopian artist Elias Sime, however, this electronic detritus is not waste, but a rich material vocabulary. Working from his studio in Addis Ababa, Sime transforms the discarded hardware of the global north into monumental, lyrical assemblages that speak to the profound interconnectedness of the modern world. As his work continues to gain international acclaim, including a major presentation at the 60th Venice Biennale and a recent retrospective at Arnolfini in Bristol, Sime’s practice offers a vital, meditative counterpoint to the relentless pace of technological consumption.
The Language of Material
Born in Addis Ababa in 1968, Sime’s artistic foundation is deeply rooted in the vernacular traditions of Ethiopia. His early works utilized stitched yarn, buttons, and bottle caps, drawing inspiration from local practices of weaving and embroidery . This tactile, labor-intensive approach laid the groundwork for his later, more expansive use of materials.
Sime sources his components primarily from the Menalesh Tera (“what do you have?”) open-air market in Addis Ababa, a hub for imported electronic waste . He does not view these materials merely as refuse, but as objects imbued with history. “Each material I collect has its own story, and has been touched by many hands,” Sime explains. “It has its own language. All the different stories related to the material move me, and I transform these intuitive reactions into my compositions” .
Detail of Elias Sime, TIGHTROPE: ECHO!?, 2021. Braided electrical wires and components. Source: GRIMM Gallery
The Tightrope Series: Balancing Progress and Nature
Sime’s most celebrated body of work is the Tightrope series, begun in 2009. These large-scale, wall-mounted reliefs are meticulously constructed from braided electrical wires, computer keys, and circuit boards nailed to wooden panels. From a distance, the works often resemble vast topographical maps, aerial views of sprawling cities, or vibrant color fields reminiscent of modernist abstraction .
The title Tightrope reflects the precarious balance between the advancements made possible by technology and their detrimental impact on the environment. Yet, Sime’s work is not purely didactic or pessimistic. By weaving together the synthetic and the organic, he creates a visual language that is both critical and utopian. The labor-intensive process of braiding and nailing the wires, often done in collaboration with local artisans, echoes traditional Ethiopian craft, grounding the globalized materials in a specific cultural context.
Zoma Museum: Architecture as Art
Sime’s commitment to his local community and environment extends beyond his studio practice. In 2019, alongside his long-time collaborator, curator and anthropologist Meskerem Assegued, Sime opened the Zoma Museum in Addis Ababa. Described as an environmentally conscious international art center, the museum itself is a work of art.
Constructed using ancient vernacular building techniques, including mud, straw, and stone, the Zoma Museum stands as a testament to sustainable architecture. It encompasses exhibition spaces, a library, an elementary school, and an edible garden, functioning as a living, breathing extension of Sime’s artistic philosophy. The museum embodies his belief that art should not exist in isolation, but must actively engage with and enrich its surrounding environment.
Installation view, Elias Sime, TIGHTROPE: አረንጔዴ ነው (IT IS GREEN), James Cohan, New York, 2023. Source: James Cohan
A Global Resonance
Sime’s ability to synthesize local traditions with global concerns has resonated deeply with international audiences. His work has been acquired by major institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Pérez Art Museum Miami, and he was shortlisted for the prestigious Hugo Boss Prize in 2020 .
In his recent exhibition Eregata እርጋታ (a term suggesting a state of calmness or stillness), Sime’s work invited viewers to slow down and engage in a process of “slow looking” . In a world characterized by digital noise and rapid consumption, Sime’s intricate assemblages demand time and attention. They ask us to consider the origins of the materials that connect us, the environmental cost of our progress, and the enduring power of human touch.
Explore Further
To delve deeper into the artists and galleries shaping the contemporary art landscape, explore the Art United Directory:
- Discover more about the artist’s practice on the Elias Sime profile.
- Explore the program of his representing gallery, James Cohan.
- Learn about the Zoma Museum in Addis Ababa.
FAQ
What materials does Elias Sime use in his art?
Elias Sime primarily uses discarded electronic components, such as computer keyboards, motherboards, and electrical wires, which he sources from open-air markets in Addis Ababa.
What is the meaning behind Sime’s Tightrope series?
The Tightrope series explores the precarious balance between technological advancement and environmental sustainability, using e-waste to create intricate, topographical landscapes.
What is the Zoma Museum?
The Zoma Museum is an environmentally conscious art center in Addis Ababa, co-founded by Elias Sime and Meskerem Assegued. It is built using traditional, sustainable techniques and includes exhibition spaces, a school, and gardens.
Where has Elias Sime exhibited his work?
Sime has exhibited globally, including at the Venice Biennale, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Royal Ontario Museum, and Arnolfini in Bristol.
References
[1] James Cohan Gallery. “Elias Sime – Artists.” James Cohan.
[2] The Metropolitan Museum of Art. “Elias Sime – Tightrope 5.1.” The Met Collection.
[3] Trigg, David. “Elias Sime: Eregata እርጋታ.” Studio International, November 20, 2023.
