Addis-leipzig, sister city art project, concept and design ,2022 .

sister cities

Concept for Sculptural work, Leipzig-Addis sister cities Project By Yonatan Wondwossen Since the Sister cities, Addis Ababa and Leipzig have had a long standing relationship over the years, I have two concept frame works to propose. Both are endogenous for Ethiopia and I believe, have the capacity to best capture the essence of the close friendship between the cities. 1, Azuregn – ‘አዙረኝ’ Azuregn, is an Amharic term in reference to a childhood game that is played by two children where they hold hands, push outward and spin. As a child, I have played and enjoyed it myself where the game is concluded if one or both players fail to resist the spinning effect of their movement. 2, Enzirt – ‘እንዝርት’ Enzirt is a tool that is used to create thread out of a cotton. Enzirt is shaped like a tiny umbrella where the outer top has a hook as a starting point for the cotton to thin down to eventually end up being a thread. This tool and method is used by mainly young and elderly woman. Beyond the impressive techniques of creating a thread, the blanket and scarfs made from them are source of pride for those who made them and who wear them. The relationship between the two concepts and the sister cities is mainly on the notion of holding each other that symbolizes unity, and the spinning that resonates the constant movement. Moreover, the Symbol of Enzirt is also to symbolize the relationship, its process and outcomes that is the pride for both, Addis Ababa, and Leipzig cities. The industrious and rescue support from Leipzig to Addis Ababa especially on the industry sector is quiet simply represented by the cottage industry symbol that is ‘Enzirt’. The location where the Sculpture is going to install being an Elementary School gives my idea of the ‘Azurit’ and ‘Enzirt’ a perfect fit. Elementary schools will relate to my sculptural idea as it is both, playful and symbolizing their own upbringing and overall, an easy way to relate to the concept behind it.