“I did not choose to be a refugee” – A Visual Art Exhibition by Michael Adonai – Tune in on today’s Assenna Radio Program for the First Extended Interview of the Famous Eritrean Artist
Commemorating World Refugee Day, I Did Not Choose to be a Refugee reflects upon Eritrean artist, Michael Adonai’s journey and experience fleeing his homeland of Eritrea, to his settlement in Melbourne’s western suburbs. Through the exhibition Adonai reflects
Commemorating World Refugee Day, I Did Not Choose to be a Refugee reflects upon Eritrean artist, Michael Adonai’s journey and experience fleeing his homeland of Eritrea, to his settlement
in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
Through the exhibition Adonai reflects and pays tribute to the Lampedusa boat tragedy that claimed the lives of 359 asylum seekers on the 3rd of October 2013. Many of the victims were Eritrean, who had fled their country on a dangerous journey across the Sahara Desert where the risks of death, rape and torture were common place. In particular the exhibition pays homage to an Eritrean woman, seven months pregnant, who prematurely gave birth to a baby boy while drowning. When rescue divers pulled them from the sea-bed, the mother and baby were still connected by the umbilical cord.
Adonai gives voice to the many victims who are forced to take such perilous journeys, risking their own, and their children’s lives for the chance of safety and a life free from persecution. Through his fine brush strokes and traditional Coptic Art techniques he paints their silent cries; “I did not choose to endanger my unborn baby’s life, I did not choose to face an unpredictable future, I did not choose to be a refugee”.
As one of the most celebrated contemporary Eritrean artists, with over 30 years’ experience, including international showings and accolades, Adonai is proud to present his first solo exhibition in Australia since his arrival in November 2012.
I Did Not Choose to be a Refugee is presented as part of Emerge Festival 2014, which presents new refugee and emerging artists who have recently settled in Australia. From May 17 – July 5, Multicultural Arts Victoria will celebrate the 11th anniversary of Emerge Festival, showcasing talented artists from Melbourne’s emerging refugee communities and the diverse cultures that have woven colourful and intricate patterns into the identity of our unique city.
Event Details – FREE EVENT
Date: Saturday 14 June – Friday 27 June
Launch: Friday 13 June 7pm
Venue: Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre – 5 Sargood Street, Altona
Gallery Hours: 10am to 4pm, Open 7 Days
I Did Not Choose to be a Refugee is presented by Louis Joel Art & Community Centre in partnership with Multicultural Arts Victoria
From: Saturday 14th of June 2014 To Friday 27th of June 2014
Time: 10:00am to 4:00pm
Venue
Joel Gallery | Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre
5 Sargood St Altona Victoria Australia | Map 
Telephone: 9932 1142
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Web Links
I did not choose to be a refugee
Source: onlymelbourne.com
Haile G. Tensae May 12, 2014
Micheal Adonai
It is a great work and keep doing your way of explaining for the voiceless.
Merhawi May 13, 2014
Anta Nobel,, Ni Mukanu AEmuroka Misaka do Alo weys AEmroka sihitka Ika ? Nay Wedi Adonay Comment Hab Inte Tebhalkas Zeyedliyeka Hatew ketew Tibil, kemzi Natka Mis Rekebu Ikoyom Adeki Moyta Inte Belwas Hatney Hatney Ila TeEwi Zitebahle.
Lucia bizen May 13, 2014
Sedt nay manm ertrawi mercha aykoneb bezi agatami gen ne mikiale adonay zhabo kale-mehtet semiayo wedi adonay gegna eu. Ajoka!
Genet-orginal May 13, 2014
Dear Artist Micheal Adonai
Thank you for being on the side of your people! Thank you for using your God given artistic talent to speak the truth. Thank you for using your influential status for the good cause. Eritrea is bleeding. our people are in shock. We can’t comprehend, the outcome of our 30+ years sacrifice is payed back with horrifying atrocity, against our primarily youth, women, and our beloved Eritrea. Our country needs people like you to keep the hope of survival. By nature, artists are activist. Our country Eritrea and her people are at the worst time ever. Artists/activist/athletes, usually are at the front line of a fight for justice and liberty. “I did not choose to be a refugee” Your title is perfect to define the Eritrean experience. Eritreans love their country no matter what. Our youth are forced to be refugees. Under Isayas and his generals, our youth are humiliated, denied formal education, denied family life and denied of basic right. They did not choose to be refugees.
Thank God you are safe from the vampire Isayas. Keep up the good work and God bless you.
Genet
Teclay May 13, 2014
Michael
Good job God bless you,and tanks for not compromising your talent.In fact it is a test in such difficult time.
Mesmer May 16, 2014
well done Micheal Adonay, Agenaa’
YRHWO KIDANE May 17, 2014
MIKEL ADONAY BETY MOYAKA HELWU HIWET ERTRAWYAN KETGELTSO FETN . SENAY KEA YEMNYELKA…
aus 17 May 18, 2014
You did choose when you decided to leave your friends behind you and almost betrayed them! Had you pointed your finger to the evil you would have done a great service to yourself and to your nation. Let us all admit that “we did a a wrong choice” now and then that lead to nowhere except depletion of our human resource for aims that serve the evil dictator at home.