Elias Sime: Tightrope

Contemporary Ethiopian artist Elias Sime presents his intricately woven and densely layered artworks that draw upon their materiality to comment on humanity, ecological sustainability, and the resilience of nature. The Tightrope series featuring 24 artworks, includes his work from the last decade and is the first Canadian presentation of this exhibition. One of the pieces featured is part of the ROM’s permanent collection.

The title Tightrope refers to the precarious balance between the innovations that technology has made possible and its detrimental impact on the environment. Sime incorporates the results from technological advancements into his artwork by repurposing salvaged electronic components such as circuits and keyboards. Through these colorful tableaus, Sime’s work points to the urgency of sustainability, and provides important context that much of the devices intended to connect us have created mass amounts of e-waste.