TASWIRA

TASWIRA PRESENTS “TRACING THE INNER CHILD,” A SOLO EXHIBITION BY NAHOM GHIRMAY, CURATED BY AVERY BARNES

SEATTLE, WA – [June 17, 2025] – TASWIRA is proud to announce "Tracing the Inner Child," a poignant solo exhibition by acclaimed artist Nahom Ghirmay, curated by Avery Barnes. The exhibition will be on view from June 26 to July 13, 2025, inviting audiences to explore themes of healing, resilience, and self-discovery through Ghirmay’s vibrant and introspective works.

In "Tracing the Inner Child," Ghirmay delves into the profound emotional landscapes that shaped his immigrant journey. “In my series, Tracing the Inner Child, I explore themes that emerged from deep self-reflection on both my mental well-being and my immigrant journey,” states Ghirmay. “During quarantine, I had the time and space to reflect on the emotional weight of these experiences. I realized that in moments of uncertainty and hardship, I often turned to imagine serene landscapes as a source of comfort and inner peace. As someone who has navigated displacement since childhood, the act of envisioning calm and peaceful scenes became a way to create a sense of home within myself. Now, I am bringing these inner sanctuaries to life through painting-transforming them into tangible works of art. This process has become both a therapeutic outlet and a means to explore the power of imagination as a tool for healing and emotional resilience.”

This new series builds upon Ghirmay’s artistic evolution, a journey that commenced with his inaugural solo exhibition at TASWIRA, "Journey to Serenity." That foundational collection eloquently chronicled his nomadic experiences—from fleeing war-torn Eritrea to navigating new countries, languages, and educational systems. During this period, art class emerged as a vital sanctuary, a place where he could reconnect with his Eritrean culture and community. Unlike many of his peers who focused on conventional forms, Ghirmay channeled his heritage, depicting women with distinctive facial features, often shown engaged in labor intensive work, bearing both literal and metaphorical weight. This profound weight, however, was uniquely transformed by Ghirmay into intricate layers of red, pink, and yellow flowers—a simple yet abstract motif that became integral to his distinctive artistic voice. It was a transformative period during which he honed his portraiture skills and cultivated a deep affinity for pastels, charcoal, oils, and acrylics, developing a signature palette of soft lavenders, pinks, greens, yellows, and blues, all imbued with a profound sense of home.

"Tracing the Inner Child" marks a new chapter, reflecting Ghirmay’s quest to reunite with his family after separation, a journey that led him through unimaginable places. Yet, within the brutal uncertainty of immigration, Ghirmay captures profound beauty by imagining peaceful dreamscapes – inner sanctuaries born from lived experiences. His art champions authenticity, kindness, and the belief that “things are going to work out.” It’s a testament to peeling back the hardening layers accumulated through life's influences, rediscovering the innate compassion and magic of one’s authentic self. Each canvas serves as a "happy place," a visual manifestation of resilience. Ghirmay's powerful narrative resonates deeply with current dialogues surrounding the immigrant journey and challenges faced in America today.

Nahom Ghirmay has been a founding artist of TASWIRA, debuting his compelling works at the gallery and, most recently, at the Seattle Art Fair in 2024. His accomplishments include being honored with a Special Commendation at the Seattle Art Museum’s Betty Bowen Awards presentation and creating impactful murals across Seattle and Belltown, further solidifying his presence in the art community.