Hermela Hailu

How can we humanize our existence in a culture that too often devalues and marginalizes our shared humanity? My answer is to dismantle the systems that perpetuate dehumanization from within, carving space for joy and the reimagining of a more humane world. Hello! My name’s Hermela Hailu, Tigrayan- American self-taught artist in Denver, Colorado. My work is rooted in an exploration of the intersectional nature of my own identity: how I was raised, how I internalized my experiences, and what that says about my place in the world. My artistic journey has been an exploration of the connection between storytelling and the human experience. 

My creative journey often delves into the intricate facets of identity and their interplay with power dynamics. I seek to redefine power in my work, placing humanism and empathy at the core of a reimagined world. By disrupting viewers' preconceptions,

submerge them in an unconventional reality, and invite them to imagine it with all their senses. I aim to confront the harsh truths of our reality, exploring how our humanity is bruised and transformed by oppressive hierarchies and the precarious conditions we navigate in this world. 

My art can not just be a medium of self-expression; it's a mirror reflecting the complexity of our existence, a way of understanding history, and, above all, a means to rekindle the essence of humanity in a world that often seeks to dehumanize us. I believe in the power of art to challenge, deconstruct, and rebuild. This is the essence of my artistic pursuit.