Friday, March 29, 2024
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The mesmerizing ZigZag Space

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ZigZag Space, so named for the structure’s distinctive roof, is a brand-new attraction for fans of both art and architecture. The gallery, which just opened, is now a center for the arts and crafts community.
The simplistic marvel is made up of the many artistic accomplishments melded into one to make the space on the third floor of the International Tennis Club building in Bisrate Gabriel, where it is situated.
“Although it was only recently launched, it is the result of many people’s dedication and hard work over the course of more than 20 years,” says Alebel Desta, Chief Architect of Alebel Desta consulting architects and engineering which for him also is a dream-come true.

(Photo: Anteneh Aklilu)

Alebel is well-known both within and outside of the architectural community for his distinctive style, propensity for experimentation, and meticulous construction of his works. It is less commonly known that many of his architectural endeavors were preceded by his experience in the arts and crafts industry. As a young boy, he was greatly influenced by his mother, a skilled craftswoman who created a variety of goods for use in her home and elsewhere. He combined what he had learnt from her with his interests from architecture school, which he studied in Addis Abeba, and continued to explore to produce novel things.
Alebel Desta’s architectural studio, along with consulting architects and engineers, is connected to the area. The ZIGZAG space’s material was largely created by the studio team in order to create a stimulating setting where it is simple to come up with ideas, as arts and crafts inspiring architecture and vice versa.
The gallery is home to several found objects in addition to the numerous professionally made and designed components of the area. Ordinary, frequently disregarded objects are given a new setting to draw attention to their beauty and reveal their distinctive qualities. These objects are frequently altered beyond their original purpose, leading to the creation of a brand-new aesthetic expression.
The area serves as a living portfolio for the studio’s diverse offering of goods and services. Also, the area provides a venue for gatherings and activities relating to the creative and artistic industries.
The gallery’s exterior bears the name of the place that inspired it. Its sloped roof has produced intriguing shapes that uniquely identify the neighborhood. The huge windows and the ample room height provide a bright and airy atmosphere. The numerous potted plants that fill the gallery add to its airy ambiance by giving it a feeling of an outdoor garden. These gives the gallery the impression of being a getaway from the busy city you can see from a distance.
The space showcases a collection of paintings that heavily feature vibrant colors, geometric lines, and shapes composed in various manners. The pieces are inspired by Ethiopian and African art. The paintings are a cross between the traditional arts inspired by contemporary painting styles.
Ethiopian tilet, sifet, tattoos, and crosses have inspired many pieces. They range from tiny palm-sized pieces to ones twice as tall as the average person. All art pieces have been carefully crafted and made by hand in the space.
The majority of the furniture used to furnish the room was also designed and made on-site. The items urge visitors to think creatively and follow the space’s overall handcrafted aesthetic. The furniture enhances its attractiveness by taking advantage of the materials’ inherent qualities. The center’s ultimate objective is to showcase and inspire creative thinking, and these objects are made to spark innovation.

(Photo: Anteneh Aklilu)

The bamboo dome serves as the focal point of the arts and crafts facility. The internal structure, which was designed and constructed in-house, creates a space distinct from the spaces where artwork is on show. The dome is a transient interest because it is a temporary installation in the area. The commanded area has a different vibe, emphasizing people over the creative industries. In order to maintain the feeling of a space within a space, more installations are planned.
Anybody visiting Addis Ababa should visit the place, which features an intricate variety of arts and crafts and a distinctive arrangement of architectural components. The delicate beauty of the objects featured and the symphony they produce when assembled cannot be adequately captured in photos. Just moving through ZIGZAG area is an experience. You may watch it several times and yet learn something new each time.

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