Sime (born 1968) creates large-scale modular artworks from discarded technological material such as electrical wires, circuit boards, motherboards and computer keys. Sime’s use of the detritus of technological progress touches on diverse themes ranging from environmentalism and globalization to the history of modern art. Sime sources these materials in his hometown of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at the Merkato, the biggest open-air market in Africa.
In 2009, Sime began an ongoing series of works called Tightrope. The works in this series embody both the advances made possible by the march of technological progress as well as its impact on humanity and nature as evidenced by the creation of extraordinary amounts of e-waste. Currents 118: Elias Sime will showcase works from the Tightrope series made within the last three years, as well as new work created for this exhibition.