A FEW METAPHORS FOR DISTANCE is an exhibition of work exploring the artist’s connection to Ethiopia. The son of an Ethiopian immigrant, Zacharias Abubeker began the process of learning about his cultural heritage four years ago. After an extended project concerning Ethiopian immigrants and their cultural assimilation in the U.S., Abubeker was able to take his first trip to Ethiopia in the early part of 2011. In this exhibition, Abubeker is concerned with the ability to understand his own identity as a person of mixed race. Central to these works are issues of hybridity, assimilation, and the influence of developed countries in their dissemination of cultural practices globally. Abubeker’s work is motivated by an evolving thought process that provokes a specific set of questions about his relationship to Ethiopia: What can one actually learn from studying a culture at a distance? How can one ever come to terms with a real history? Where is the site of culture in a global society? With these questions, Abubeker hopes to create a dialogue around these issues, furthering not only his own understanding but those who engage the work as well.

ZACHARIAS ABUBKER is a Chicago based artist, where he works as a freelance preparator and photographer. He attended Columbia College Chicago, attaining a BFA in Photography in 2009. He plans to return to Ethiopia early next year for an extended stay to develop ongoing projects.

More information about Zacharias Abubeker can be found at www.zachabubeker.com

ACRE (Artists’ Cooperative Residency and Exhibitions) is a volunteer-run non-profit based in Chicago devoted to employing various systems of support for emerging artists and to creating a regenerating community of cultural producers. ACRE investigates and institutes models designed to help artists develop, present, and discuss their practices by providing forums for idea exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration, and experimental projects. Each year, ACRE conducts a summer residency program in rural Steuben, Wisconsin, bringing together over 100 artists, musicians, and thinkers to make and discuss their work. Back in Chicago, ACRE provides opportunities for all of its residents to exhibit at either ACRE Projects, a storefront gallery in Pilsen, or one of over 10 partner spaces.

ACRE Projects is a new space in Pilsen presenting weekly art events every Sunday evening. Each of ACRE’s 70+ residents are given the keys to the space for one week to do with it what they will. Additional exhibitions will be hosted by a number of local galleries and alternative spaces.

More information about ACRE can be found at www.acreresidency.org.

Opening Reception: Sunday, Dec 4, 4-8pm
Open Hours: Monday, Dec 5, noon-4pm

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Tags: ACRE, Pilsen, Zacharias Abubeker