Wexler Gallery is pleased to announce the Alturas Foundation has selected Jomo Tariku for its Artist in Residence program.

Tariku’s residency will be devoted to the development of an exhibition entitled Juxtaposed to open in October 2024 at Wexler Gallery Philadelphia and to be followed by other major museums and design festivals globally.

Juxtaposed: a portal to African Design, is an immersive and educational exhibition that will lead viewers on a visual journey as interpreted by the creative mind of artist and furniture designer Jomo Tariku.

The installation will begin by exploring and connecting with the deep roots that inspired Tariku's designs and explain the creative processes he has developed for over thirty years, including showcasing new works that incorporate past and present techniques.

The exhibition is unique in its presentation in that it will feature Tariku's modem designs alongside the historic objects, artifacts and other inspirations from the continent. Says Tariku, "The goal of this exhibition is to communicate the deeper meaning of the objects and cultures that inspire my work and fuel my creative process." For example, his Meedo Chair and Bench will be displayed next to an Afro hair pick, new wallpaper designs, large wall sculpture and a throne stage to demonstrate the duality of object's purpose in many African cultures as both a hair comb and an iconic sign of beauty of the Black is Beautiful movement from the 70's. The artist's Nyala Chair, inspired by the silhouette of the endangered Nyala antelope from East Africa, will be a vehicle to convey information about the environmental and conservation challenges in the region. The E'nsera Stool, inspired by the clay Ethiopian water jugs carried on the backs of women in the countryside, will illuminate the continent's challenges with clean water and women's health issues.

Juxtaposed will also be an exploration of new materials, technologies, and designs related to the artist's heritage. In keeping with the tradition of most material artists in Ethiopia, Tariku's work has historically been limited to wood. This new series of work will meld modem materials such as metal and plastic, with wood to further expand his practice.

Jomo Tariku's furniture designs draw inspiration from Africa's rich cultural heritage, historical structures, traditional furniture, craft, colors, artifacts, landscapes, wildlife, and even hairstyles. His research on licensed Black furniture designers has been featured in prominent publications such as the New York Times and BOH. Jomo's work has graced more than 40 publications, movie sets and even the home of the Vice President of US, Kamala Harris at the Naval Observatory. His designs are part of the permanent collections in major museums such as the Met, PMA, and LACMA. Jomo has been recognized by Wallpaper Magazine for his impactful contributions. Beyond furniture design, he applies his skills to showcase African stories through compelling data visualizations and has diversified into other creative spaces, including public art sculptures and wallpaper design. A champion of Black designers, Tariku helped co-found the Black Artists + Designers Guild (BADG) and is the recipient of the 2022 BADG Maker Award.

Show supported by Alturas Foundation and BADG Creative Grant.