Artwork copyright Sultan Mohamed. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Sultan Mohamed. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Totem, 2001

Sultan Mohamed
American Ethiopian (born 1962)

Location: North Lake Middle School, Lake Stevens

About the Artwork

Totem is a mixed-media piece by artist Sultan Mohamed, created while he was a member of the Nu Tribe art group in Seattle, Washington. The group rented an old hardware store as studio space. After salvaging a piece of cast aluminum from a vacuum cleaner found in the studio, Mohamed was inspired to create a totem that symbolized and celebrated the energy and community of this group.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Lake Stevens School District.

About the Artist

Seattle-based artist Sultan Mohamed grew up in Ethiopia. His work is influenced and inspired by traditional Ethiopian paintings and fresco art.
Mohamed is also a Seattle Public Schools middle school teacher of art and United States history. He has been involved for many years with the East African Arts and Cultural Association and SEED Seattle (SouthEast Effective Development), both in Seattle.