Cactoid Labs’ curator and co-founder, Lady Cactoid, recently engaged in a thought-provoking conversation with Kiya Tadele, the creative director of the artist collective Yatreda. This dialogue centered around the project Remembrance of Things Future, which melds the past with contemporary digital art through the lens of blockchain technology.
The Intersection of Art and Blockchain
Remembrance of Things Future invites audiences to traverse time through the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) collection, showcasing a unique interplay of traditional artistic expression and modern technology. Aimed at rejuvenating historical artifacts, this project allows artists to reinterpret objects from LACMA’s vast assemblage and mint new digital editions on the blockchain. A portion of the proceeds will support LACMA’s Art + Technology Lab, creating a sustainable cycle that promotes both preservation and innovation.
Artistic Evolution
Kiya Tadele grew up in the Ethiopian countryside, steeped in rich storytelling traditions. Her passion for photography began serendipitously when a family member gifted her a camera. What started as playful experimentation in fashion shows quickly evolved into a serious pursuit after formal studies at Master Academy in Addis Ababa. Tadele’s artistic journey reflects a quest for self-expression, one that eventually led to the creation of Yatreda, an art collective that focuses on collaborative storytelling and cultural reinterpretation.
Yatreda’s work has transformed dramatically since its inception, now recognized for its intricate productions across Ethiopia and Kenya. Tadele highlights the importance of unity among cast and crew in each project, ensuring that various elements coalesce to embody the “Yatreda spirit” — a dynamic articulation of identity, history, and culture.
Crafting Visual Narratives
Tadele’s approach combines traditional storytelling with innovative techniques. Each piece starts with a conceptual seed, often inspired by childhood folktales or oral histories, transformed through extensive research and collaborative effort. Her commitment to authenticity is evident in how they shoot entirely in-camera, utilizing natural elements to create visually arresting pieces that explore themes of identity, motherhood, and cultural heritage.
The technical aspects of her work involve nuanced shooting methods, such as capturing at 59.94 frames per second for a distinct slow-motion effect that enhances the emotional depth of the narrative. Tadele spends hours sifting through footage to find the perfect moment, an eternal loop that sparks resonance within viewers.
Ethiopia’s Cultural Legacy
Ethiopia’s historical significance, especially its status as the only African nation never colonized, underscores Tadele’s work. The stories of her childhood, steeped in folk tales and oral traditions, provide a rich reservoir of inspiration. Tadele recognizes the transformative power of these narratives, viewing them as a medium through which communal memory can be celebrated and reimagined.
She articulates a desire to allow the past to inform the present, advocating for a dynamic understanding of history that keeps it alive, rather than relegating it to mere archives. This philosophy is reflected in Yatreda’s diverse bodies of work, each designed to resonate universally while rooted in Ethiopian culture.
Major Bodies of Work
Tadele delineates several key projects, each representing a chapter in an evolving narrative. The series Adam and Hewan reflects themes of temptation and loss through the biblical lens of Adam and Eve, while Strong Hair explores identity through hair as a cultural vessel across various life stages. Queen of Sheba, Mother of Menelik connects different cultural legacies through motherhood, emphasizing shared identities and the continuity of stories across generations.
Each series unites under the ethos of Yatreda, striving to articulate experiences that speak to audiences regardless of cultural background. Tadele’s fascination with tizita, an Ethiopian musical form representing memory and longing, echoes her artistic aim: to forge a universal language that transcends borders.
Influences and Mentorship
Tadele’s development has been shaped by various artists and filmmakers, notably Haile Gerima, an influential Ethiopian filmmaker renowned for making history accessible through cinema. Gerima’s dedication to his craft resonates deeply with Tadele, inspiring her commitment to channeling history as a living, breathing force.
Moreover, collaborations with Kenyan artists like Kevo Abbra and Sylvia Owalla demonstrate her appreciation for the fusion of traditional aesthetics with modern vision. These partnerships enrich the narratives Yatreda presents, showcasing handcrafted artistry that speaks to both heritage and contemporary relevance.
Future Prospects and Legacy
The dialogue between Tadele and Lady Cactoid hints at ambitious futures for both Yatreda and the Remembrance of Things Future initiative. By leveraging blockchain, artists can revisit and reinterpret historical artifacts while simultaneously securing their legacies in a digital format. This intersection of past and future paves the way for innovative storytelling, inviting audiences to engage with history in ways previously unimagined.
In concluding reflections, Tadele emphasizes the need to narrate history authentically, recognizing the potential of new technologies to elevate traditional practices without compromising their essence. Moving forward, her work with Yatreda and collaborations with projects like Remembrance of Things Future will undoubtedly continue to challenge and inspire how we perceive and engage with art and history in a changing world.
Through her rich exploration of identity, cultural memory, and the power of collaborative storytelling, Kiya Tadele manifests a vibrant dialogue between time, technology, and tradition. The artistic journey of Yatreda serves not only as a testament to the resilience of Ethiopian culture but also as an invitation for global viewers to reflect on their narratives in an increasingly interconnected world.
