Konjit Seyoum

Konjit Seyoum (b. 1963 Addis Ababa) is a freelance conference interpreter who was trained at the School of Interpretation and Translation at the University of Trieste, Italy. In 1996 Seyoum opened ASNI Gallery in Addis Ababa with the aim to promote contemporary Ethiopian art, focusing on experimentation and supporting young and emerging artists. She conceived ASNI as an independent alternative space that runs with no predefined programs and maintains a low budget, avoiding aid, sponsorship, funds, and even art sales in most cases. She has curated numerous solo and group shows, and has organized talks, workshops, residencies, community works, and children’s activities. Seyoum has also been promoting innovative vegetarian cooking at her gallery, drawing on traditional Ethiopian cuisine. She creates black and white photographic works that emanate from her time-based cotton sculptures through which she explores womanhood, the personal, and spirituality.