Addis Gezehagn

Addis Gezehagn was born in 1978 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In 2011, he received a BFA in Graphic Design from Addis Ababa University, Alle School of Fine Art and Design.

Addis Gezehagn's Art Style

Addis Gezehagn is recognized for his meticulous assembly approach, characterized by a significant investment of time and effort. The artist dedicates several months to completing each of his works.

Delicately layering cut-outs sourced from local magazines and newspapers onto his canvases, the artist subsequently employs acrylic paint to craft his distinctive cityscapes. His canvases exhibit a kaleidoscopic quality, with every centimeter offering a unique composition distinct from the previous one.

Gezehagn envisions his urban environment in a transformative manner. Illustrated through the Floating City series, the artist intricately depicts the Ethiopian capital's landscape as if observed from a bird's-eye view. Employing abstraction, Gezehagn skillfully crafts the illusion of three-dimensional sculptural space, where dizzying glimpses of cityscapes unfold into harmonious blends of rooftops and window panes.

These pieces serve as a record of the evolving terrain of Addis Ababa and the communities inhabiting neighborhoods like Kasanchis, Piassa, and Arat Kilo. Delving into both personal and public spaces within these regions, the artworks document walls and towers slated for decay, revealing a narrative of classism and social injustice. Encouraging us to look beyond homes merely as utilitarian structures, these works provide commentary on the socio-economic backdrop of urban life.