This guide introduces audiences to the exhibition Henok Melkamzer: Telsem Symbols and Imagery, organised by Sharjah Art Foundation in collaboration with The Africa Institute and Sharjah Museums Authority. Historically, telsem art was primarily created to address specific concerns of the commissioning patron, often related to their health, fortune or environmental circumstances. Details from the subjects’ personal history, such as their birthdate, astrological sign and parents’ names and birthdates, would be carefully interwoven into the canvas through specific words, symbols, colours and imagery. Rather than using traditional natural pigments, which deteriorate after five or six years, the telsem art shown in this exhibition has been created with acrylics. Henok Melkamzer was determined to preserve this art form within his community and family while also presenting it to new audiences by engaging with contemporary themes and experimenting with its formal language.

The guide includes a foreword by Hoor Al Qasimi, Foundation director, and essays by exhibition curator Elizabeth W. Giorgis and artist Julie Mehretu.