Maheder Haileselassie is a self-taught photographer and visual artist based in Ethiopia. Maheder’s artistic practice is informed by the everyday history, memory, and experiences between herself and the people she engages with. She is interested in documenting women’s 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, Haileselassie’s 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 what honored with the Contemporary African Photography Prize for her project “Between Yesterday and Tomorrow,” 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 BBC’s list of 100 inspiring women in 2024, recognized as a “climate pioneer” for documenting the effects of climate change on young girls in Somalia.
Beyond her photographic achievements, Haileselassie founded the Center for Photography in Ethiopiaaiming 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, women’s rights, and African identity.
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