JAH•RAS•TAFARI

Addis Gezehagn (b.1978), Gezehagn completed his BFA from Addis Ababa University Alle School of Fine Art in 2011 with a distinction. 

A long-time artistic presence in Addis Ababa, he is known for portraying the multifaceted characteristics of the city's residents by detailing the external facades of their homes. In his painting series he captures the chaos, charisma, artistry and harmony of his birth-country Ethiopia.

The paintings are deptics dream like deconstructed and layered renderings of the urban landscape rising above the ground. These composition made by layering magazine cut outs with acrylic paint, blend the boundaries of fantasy and reality of urban life, blurring the lines between the past, present and future. Flattened and reductive, Gezehagn's works imagine cityscapes as towers or patchworks of colorful doors and gates, the architectural structures seeming to signify a natural, organic network of living spaces. The rootless and ephemeral nature of the layered towers call into question the lives of the inhabitants. Examining the personal and public spaces, the works archive walls, windows, files and towers destined to crumble, tracing a pattern of classism and social injustice. 

Gezehagn’s works urge us to think beyond homes as functional entities and offer commentary on the social -economic context of urban life.

Wendimagegn Gasham Demeke (b.1985) Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Art is second nature for me. I feel it, play with it, and live with it. I explore my childhood experiences and reflect them in my art. I aim to connect deeply with my surroundings through observation and participation. 

In my work, I strive to convey the essence and meaning of life, delving into emotional and expressive depths. I use symbolic human and animal figures to portray complex emotions and narratives. I enjoy experimenting with various mediums and techniques, combining drawing, painting, and sculpture to create impactful pieces. My art often addresses social, political, and personal issues, using Ethiopian cultural elements to emphasize these themes.

Seyoum Ayalew, one of Ethiopia’s great influential artists was born in Addis Ababa city in 1968. In 1991 he joined Addis Ababa University Arts and Design faculty, he studied for four years and graduated in mural arts. After Seyoum’s graduation he stayed in Dessie where he worked to promote art and produced young artists. As a result of his commitment to training people he produced many young artists. Some of his students are currently teaching ART at Addis Ababa University Arts and Sculpture faculty. Besides his art profession he has worked for ten years with governmental and private organizations. Seyoum has participated in exhibitions in various Ethiopian venues, among those: Venezuelan Embassy, Alliance Ethio- Francis, Lafto Gallery, World Economic Forum, Africa Union, MakushArt Gallery, Serenade Art Gallery and the Sheraton Addis Hotel/Art of Ethiopia exhibition as well. Abroad he has made exhibitions in Ireland, Bulgaria, Nigeria, Djibouti, China, France, Germany, Czech, Serbia, Kenya and in the USA.

Artist Statement .. I want to capture by way of sketched portraits the expressions of the poor in Addis for posterity and how globalization and influences from certain countries has affected our economy as a continent and not just our country. As an artist I want my sketches to contribute to our social history and I aim to provoke reflection on the intersections of tradition and the evolving identities within African societies in a globalized world and how globalization should create an opportunity for mutual enrichment and not contribute to the poverty or make us watch as they gain from our resources.

Workneh Bezu Kassa, born on 8th of March 1978 and he grew up in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Workneh began drawing from a very young age, taking drawing lessons in elementary school and showing great artistic ability. Although his family encouraged him to become an auto mechanic, Workneh was destined to follow his passion for art and enrolled at the prestigious Addis Ababa University School of Fine Art and Design, to 

study under some of the masters of Ethiopian Painting and Sculptor.

For Workneh, art is his life, his passion and dreams. Receiving formal training gave Workneh the techniques and academic skills he needed to bring his dreams to reality. Workneh experiment with different artistic forms and has become one of the pioneers of children’s puppet film and short animation film in Ethiopia. Included in his creations are rug puppets, paintings in oil and watercolors, sculptures and graphics art.

Abraham Woldegebreal, after graduating from Addis Ababa University in 2011, I started working as a full time studio artist, focusing mainly on painting and drawing. My work often explores themes of identity, culture, and social issues. Over the years, I have participated in several group exhibitions. In 2013, I had my first solo exhibition titled "Nafkot" nostalgia at the National Museum of Ethiopia. This exhibition showcased a series of paintings that depicted the struggles and triumphs of everyday life in my childhood area in Ethiopia. In addition to my artistic practice, I have also been involved in art education. I have conducted workshops and taught drawing and painting classes to aspiring childrens and youths. I believe in the power of art to inspire and bring about positive change in society.

Currently, I am working on a new series of paintings that explore the concept of social interrelation and its impact in modern cultures. I am excited to continue pushing the boundaries of my artistic practice and to contribute to the vibrant art scene in Ethiopia. Overall, my journey as an artist has been filled with challenges and successes. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to showcase my work and to connect with fellow artists and art enthusiasts. I am committed to continuously evolving as an artist and using my art as a means of expression and social commentary.