The Seamingly Seamless Subversion of Sime

Abstract

This paper aims to provide a review of Ethiopian artist Elias Sime’s work and places a detailed discussion of some of his main influences and themes in the context of Africa’s perceived position in the global art village. The construct of subversion is explored in relation to Sime’s work to provide a rich understanding of what Sime may be communicating through his art, which often seems to be ostensibly apolitical. This article aims to encourage African artists and art critics to build up a significant body of work about our continent’s artistic output and thereby make their presence felt both in Africa and across the globe.