Immanence 2004

Julie Mehretu’s "Immanence," as with many of her works, layers drafting, mark-making, and painting to create complex, large-scale pieces. Mehretu was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 1970, and her heritage and upbringing greatly influenced her artistic perspective. Mehretu is known for her abstract, layered paintings that often incorporate elements of architectural plans, maps, and urban landscapes. Her work explores themes of globalization, migration, and the dynamic movement of people and spaces, reflecting the increasingly interconnected world we live in. The chaotic yet ordered composition evokes a sense of constant motion and change; the layered imagery suggests a palimpsest of historical and contemporary events, inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of place, identity, and belonging. Mehretu’s distinctive visual language captures the energy and complexity of the globalized world, challenging traditional notions of representation and space. In a world of diaspora, Mehretu asks us to consider where we come from and where we are going.