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Maheder Haileselassie is a self-taught photographer and visual artist based in Ethiopia. Mahederโs artistic practice is informed by the everyday history, memory, and experiences between herself and the people she engages with. She is interested in documenting womenโs issues, showcasing and celebrating communities that are finding paths to self-sufficiency, and exploring rural/urban challenges and potentials that involve youth, health, agriculture, or technology. She follows an open approach, oscillating between past archives and utopian dreams, emphasizing both from an Ethiopian context.
Initially pursuing a degree in civil engineering, Haileselassieโs passion for photography emerged during her final university year, capturing images of friends with her mobile phone. By 2013, this interest had evolved into a dedicated career in photography.
In 2023, Haileselassie was honored with the Contemporary African Photography Prize for her project โBetween Yesterday and Tomorrow,โ which examines the interplay of history, identity, and memory in Ethiopia. The following year, she received the prestigious Seydou Keita Grand Prize at the Rencontres de Bamako biennial for her evocative exploration of memory and time.
Her impactful work led to her inclusion in the BBCโs list of 100 inspiring women in 2024, recognized as a โclimate pioneerโ for documenting the effects of climate change on young girls in Somalia.
Beyond her photographic achievements, Haileselassie founded the Center for Photography in Ethiopia, aiming to nurture and support emerging photographers in the region. Her commitment to authentic representation is evident in her critique of certain portrayals of African women, advocating against depictions that cater to colonial perspectives.
Through her lens, Maheder Haileselassie Tadese continues to shed light on pressing social issues, contributing significantly to the global discourse on climate change, womenโs rights, and African identity.
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