Exploring the Intersection: Coptic Motifs and Social Realism in Eritrean Art

By MICHAEL ADONAI

Waidel (2008), acrylic on canvas (20.5 x 90.5 cm) ; half a woman looking at the viewer

Waidel (2008), acrylic on canvas (20.5 x 90.5 cm)

 

The beauty and the crescent by Michael adonai

The Beauty and Crescent (2010), acrylic on canvas

 
 
Guardian of the Beach (2009), acrylic on canvas (98 x 69 cm); a person riding a camel

Guardian of the Beach (2009), acrylic on canvas (98 x 69 cm)

 

artwork by Michael Adonai, mother and baby

Lampedusa (2013), acrylic on canvas

 

Chasing the future acrylic on canvas

Chasing the Future (2008), acrylic on canvas (122 x 95 cm)

 

The Plight of Senafe (2001), acrylic on canvas (58 x 75 cm) ; people huddled beyond a square object

The Plight of the Senafe (2001), acrylic on canvas (58 x 75 cm)

  
 
A Newborn Child (2011), acrylic on canvas (115 X 95 CM) 300 dpi, 3723 x 4288 pixels; a blue scene, a woman-like face peering in the corner

A Newborn Child (2011), acrylic on canvas (115 x 95 cm)

 

Morning Star by Michael Adonai

Morning Star (2009), acrylic on canvas (98 x 69 cm)

 
 
Solace

Solace (2001), acrylic on canvas (76 x 122 cm)

 

a person holding a child; Hope in the Midst of Threat (2000), acrylic on canvas

Hope in the Midst of Threat (2000), acrylic on canvas

 

Michael Adonai is one of Eritrea’s most celebrated contemporary artists and writers. His traditional “Coptic Art” depicts the plights and fortitudes of the Eritrean people. He has exhibited internationally; won awards including the Raimok Award, one of Eritrea’s highest national awards; and been nominated by an international arts jury to represent Eritrea in a United Nations global art exhibition. In 2012, he was selected by UNESCO to be featured in the Oxford Dictionary of African Biography.

 

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Exploring the Intersection: Coptic Motifs and Social Realism in Eritrean Art

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