ምርቃት (mirik’at) / blessings generator
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| Date start | 03.29.25 |
| Date end | 06.30.25 |
| Start Time | 12am |
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| Admission | Free |
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| Associated Program | Welcome to my Homepage |
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The ምርቃት (mirik’at) / blessings generator is a collaborative web-based interactive work by Betelhem Makonnen, Mayet, and Mihret Kebede. Inspired by coffee ceremonies and the verbal art of well-wishing from their shared homeland of Ethiopia, the artists created this project to cultivate a new practice of collective care-taking for virtual space.
The website allows visitors to receive blessings on topics ranging from world woes to future hopes, or to receive a customized blessing based on their specific concern. Sharing a wealth of knowledge about the practice of well-wishing, the project invites visitors to bring ምርቃት (mirik’at) into their lives to experience the sense of wellbeing and interconnectedness that come with rooting for each other and honoring interdependence.
About the Artists
A native of Ethiopia, Betelhem Makonnen, lives and works in Austin, TX. MFA, School of Art Institute of Chicago and a BA in History and Literature of Africa/African Diaspora, UT Austin. She researches perception, presence, and place within a trans-temporal and trans-locative topology that operates on the relational dynamics of an African diasporic consciousness. Makonnen exhibits locally and internationally, and co-organizes Addis Video Art Festival, a platform for video art in Ethiopia.
Mayet explores artificial intelligence, human connection, and creative expression. With a background in international relations, economics, and data science, she examines how technology shapes the way we learn, grow, and interact. She draws inspiration from the psychology of learning, storytelling, and the power of connection to create meaningful, innovative experiences. Her work seeks to bridge technology and human development in ways that inspire and transform.
Mihret Kebede is a multidisciplinary artist, poet, and cultural organizer. She collaborates with poets, artists, musicians, and choreographers across cultures. Her works have been featured in international exhibitions and publications. Mihret is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna.
