Silence the Gun is a deeply personal and impactful project by Ethiopian artist Michael Hailu, exploring the themes of conflict, identity, and the human condition. Combining painting, photography, and performance, Hailu reflects on the violence in Ethiopia and the broader implications of war.

The project contrasts moments of peace with expressions of conflict, using symbolic imagery and evocative performances to question the justification of violence. Set to be showcased at AKKA Project in Venice in 2024, Silence the Gun invites viewers to contemplate the possibility of a world where violence is no longer a defining force.