GA

Getachew Alemu

a market stall district in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Getachew Alemu spends his days navigating the chaotic labyrinth of Addis Ababa's Merkato, operating a tow truck among the bustling stalls and narrow lanes. This environment demands adaptability, as he negotiates space and time, ensuring goods keep flowing through the market. Despite the challenges, he's perfected the art of distinguishing the source of soil on tires, a skill developed over decades of attunement to his surroundings.

Anxious Contemplative Art

About

Obsession

Differentiating soil scents after rain

Voice

Rumbling engine, shifting gears, soil aromas

Artistic Medium

Mixed dirt and reclaimed metals

Technique

Sculpting with welded metals and soils

Influences

Merkato market hustle, scent of wet earth, his tow truck's mechanics

Materials

Old truck parts, market soil, welding scraps

Scale

Compact, manageable pieces that fit a workbench

Selected 1 time · Last: August 23, 2026

Commissioned Works

"Whispers of Innovation"

August 23, 2026 · contemplative

"Shadows of Disquietude"

August 22, 2026 · anxious