Indegena, or እንደገና in Amharic, means repetition or rebirth. Indegena, the exhibition, explores the continuation of legacies, the celebration of Black creative expression, and the connecting of histories across the African diaspora.

Fasil Dawit, is an Ethiopian-born, Washington DC-based artist. He is well-rounded in mosaics, realism, sculpting, portraits, and much more.  He received his Bachelor’s in Fine Arts Degree from the Fine Arts Academy of Addis Ababa in 1971, Master of Fine Arts from Howard University in 1992, and received a Diploma in Interior Decoration from The School of Professional Career Institute in Atlanta, GA in 1999. Before migrating to the United States in  1989, Dawit’s works were featured in multiple Ethiopian government buildings as well as on commemorative stamps in Ethiopian postal museums in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In the United States, his works can be found in multiple DC Metro Ethiopian restaurants and public places. Fasil aims to popularize the depiction of African History and Culture specifically Eastern Africa (Ethiopia) in fine art. 

Curated by Nigel S. Richardson, “Indegena” showcases eight oil paintings on canvas. The painted scenes exemplify the richness of Ethiopian culture while connecting Ethiopia to Black American history and culture, specifically Jackson Ward, through music, dance, and artistic expression.