Meet the Artists: Jomo Tariku

“Through my work, I aspire to change the world's perception of African design while exploring contemporary forms.” —Jomo Tariku

Meet Jomo Tariku, one of the many contemporary artists whose work is featured in Before Yesterday We Could Fly: An Afrofuturist Period Room.

Jomo Tariku designs ergonomic furniture to support the body and mind, with aesthetic references drawn from elements of Ethiopian and Black American culture and history.

Tariku's “Mido Chair” synthesizes two important African symbols, the Afro comb—a tool used across Africa for centuries that is often linked to notions of cultural pride in the United States—and ceremonial seats.

Take a virtual tour of the exhibition to explore further.


Contributors

Managing Producer: Kate Farrell
Producer: Melissa Bell
Editor: Lela Jenkins
Graphic Design: Abby Chen
Music: Austin Fisher
Photographs: Paul Lachenauer

Special thanks: Jomo Tariku, Sarah Lawrence, Ian Alteveer, Ana Matisse Donefer-Hickie, Claire Lanier, Victoria Martinez, Sofie Andersen


A vibrant art studio scene with figures and bright colors. Foreground has a table with art supplies and flowers.
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Mido Chair, Jomo Tariku  Ethiopian American, Walnut veneer
Multiple artists/makers
2021