Julie Mehretu, an Ethiopian-born American artist, is renowned for her large-scale abstract works that evoke the energy and complexity of urban life, history, and identity. Born in Addis Ababa in 1970 and later moving to the U.S., Mehretu’s journey from East Africa to the international art scene has shaped her unique perspective. Her art, displayed in renowned institutions like MoMA and the Guggenheim, uses layers and overlapping forms to explore the invisible structures of society be it politics, power, or collective memory. Mehretu’s pieces draw you in with chaotic beauty, blending maps, architectural forms, and calligraphic lines. One striking example is Stadia II, where Mehretu captures the vibrant energy of stadiums, spaces meant for gathering, cheering, and sometimes, for political statements. She combines sweeping lines with shapes resembling flags and architectural designs, creating a sense of motion and cultural convergence. It’s as though each line holds the voices of many, symbolizing both unity and division, as people come together under shared causes or identities. In another monumental piece, Mural, created for the lobby of Goldman Sachs in New York, Mehretu layers translucent brushstrokes over architectural sketches. At 80 feet long, the mural is massive, and its layered approach speaks to history, power, and economic progress. The work subtly acknowledges its corporate surroundings, hinting at globalization and capitalism while maintaining an abstract, ethereal quality. Viewing it is like peering through layers of time, where industry and ambition blend with the artist’s own critique of such spaces. Another work that resonates is Black City, a darker, more intense piece that seems to depict the aftermath of conflict or destruction. Here, Mehretu explores themes of war, authority, and the fragility of civilization. The jagged lines and almost industrial shapes evoke a sense of unease, as though the city itself is haunted by its history. This work feels like a stark contrast to her lighter, more energetic pieces, instead presenting a dystopian landscape that reflects the harsher realities of urban life and societal power struggles. What makes Mehretu’s art particularly compelling is her ability to use abstraction as a storytelling tool. Her layering technique doesn’t just build up the composition visually; it creates a dialogue between past and present, allowing viewers to feel the weight of historical and societal layers. Each piece is like a city map reimagined, with its unspoken histories and complex intersections brought to life through bold strokes and delicate lines. Her art invites us to explore deeper, challenging us to think about the unseen forces shaping our world from culture and politics to personal identity and collective memory. In Mehretu’s world, every layer has a voice, and together, they create a narrative that is as rich as it is thought provoking.