Julie Mehretu

About

Julie Mehretu is an Ethiopian-American artist renowned for her large-scale, intricately detailed artworks. Born on November 28, 1970, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, she currently resides in New York City. Mehretu received her B.A. from Kalamazoo College and later earned an M.F.A. from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1997. Her artistic practice combines elements of architecture, geography, and sociopolitical themes, creating complex visual narratives that explore human experience and spatial dynamics. Mehretu's work often incorporates historical and contemporary elements, such as maps, logos, and photographs, layered into abstract compositions. She has been recognized with prestigious awards, including a MacArthur Fellowship and the U.S. Department of State Medal of Arts. Her artworks have been exhibited globally, including at the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Guggenheim Museum. Mehretu is also an advocate for social justice, supporting initiatives like the preservation of Nina Simone's home and the Art For Justice Fund.