Ethiopian American artist and industrial designer Jomo Tariku is defining a new language of modern African design by synthesizing his experience of the continent’s diverse landscape, indigenous cultures, architecture, colors, artifacts, dresses, and hair styles. Jomo’s designs offer a new line of inquiry and experience of modernity while venerating the rich historical palette of Africa. The Nyala, Qwanta and Meedo chairs as well as Watatu Stool series that were used as part of the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever stage design represent his bold approach to design. Jomo’s work is currently in the collection of major museums such as the Met and LACMA, and has been published in many shelter magazines. His data research on the lack of Black designers in the furniture licensing industry has been covered by many publications and is still quoted in various articles. Jomo is one of the co-founders of BADG (Black Artists + Designers Guild) which promotes the work of Black designers globally while addressing lack of representation in the design world.

Museum Acquisitions
2023

• Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas, Texas - Mukecha & Black Nyala Chair
• Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Walnut Meedo Chair
• NMAAHC, Washington, DC - Walnut MeQuamya Chair, and Black Nyala Chair
• 1 additional museum acquisitions to be announced - Qwanta Chair, Black Nyala Chair

2022

• Baltimore Art Museum - Walnut MeQuamya Chair

2021

• The MET, New York, New York - Walnut Meedo Chair
• Mint Museum, Charlotte, North Carolina - Black Nyala Chair
• LACMA, Los Angeles, California - Bleached white Nyala Chair
• Denver Art Museum,  Denver, Colorado - Walnut Nyala Chair​