ሀሌታ | Haleta: The Threshold of Being

Have you ever experienced a feeling so intensely, yet struggled to find the right word for it?

The Amharic word Haleta originated from an ancient language spoken in Ethiopia called Ge’ez. It describes a state of becoming that exists just before the first step, the unseen threshold where possibility, hope, memory, and transformation converge. More than a beginning, it is the subtle moment right before something comes into being.

Every language holds words for emotions, memories, and human experiences that have no direct translation. Each participating artist selected a word that holds personal significance, whether rooted in their own cultural background, heritage, language, or inspired by a concept from another culture that resonates deeply with them.

Through painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media, the artists interpret these words visually, revealing emotions and states of being that transcend language. Together, the works celebrate the richness and diversity of human expression while reminding us that, although our languages differ, our humanity is deeply shared. Haleta invites viewers to reflect on what exists beyond words, in the moments, emotions, and connections through which we recognize ourselves in one another.

Curator: Danayit Ephrem Zeru

Curatorial Mentors: Rebecca Basciano, Amy Wallace

French Translation: Andrée-Maude Courval

Designer: Leah Ross, Mathieu Kirchmayer

Installation: Dan Austin, Emma Litschko

This exhibition is developed through the Curatorial Fellowship Program, designed to support the career growth of emerging Black Canadian curators. This innovative program is a partnership between the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG), the Ottawa Black Art Kollective (OBAK) and the National Gallery of Canada (NGC).

The Ottawa Art Gallery would like to recognize RBC Foundation’s support of this exhibition through OAG’s Connect: Artist Mentorship Program.