The Toledo Museum of Art (TMA) is set to host “House of Yatreda,” an immersive, multi-sensory exhibition by the digital artist collective Yatreda ????, from August 17 to November 10. This exhibition is part of TMA’s 2024 Digital Artist Residency Program and will be featured within the larger “Ethiopia at the Crossroads” exhibition.

Yatreda, led by Kiya Tadele and her partner Joey Lawrence, is a family art collective that creates digital art inspired by Ethiopian history and culture. The collective, with members based in Ethiopia, Kenya, and the United States, focuses on the concept of “tizita” – nostalgia and longing for the past.

“House of Yatreda” will premiere the collective’s latest series, “Abyssinian Queen,” featuring four black-and-white slow-motion digital artworks (NFTs) that animate the life of an imagined Ethiopian queen. The exhibition aims to blend ancient Ethiopian traditions with blockchain technology, creating a unique cultural experience.

A highlight of the exhibition will be live Ethiopian coffee ceremonies, performed several times during the show’s run. These ceremonies, central to Ethiopian culture, will be led by Tadele herself, who will act as a storyteller, explaining the customs and rituals surrounding coffee in Ethiopia.

As part of the residency program, Ohio-based painter Jordan Buschur has been invited to participate as the Community Digital Artist in Residence. Yatreda will mentor Buschur in digital art and Web3 technologies, bridging traditional and digital art forms.

The residency will culminate in a Christie’s sale later this year, where both Yatreda and Buschur will auction one-of-one NFTs created during their time at TMA. This sale represents a significant opportunity for both artists to showcase their work on an international platform.

“House of Yatreda” is not just an art exhibition but a cultural exchange, aiming to foster community engagement and cross-cultural understanding. By integrating Ethiopian traditions with local artistic narratives, TMA continues its commitment to innovative, diverse, and technologically advanced art experiences.