The Artist Who Made a Difference

From his first exhibition in 1995 to over 30 solo shows across Europe and North America, Ethiopian painter Fikru Gebremariam has carved out a singular path. His latest collection — exhibited at the Alliance Ethio-Française in Addis Ababa — marks a bold new chapter: an embrace of abstract expressionism rooted in African soil. In this portrait, Fikru reflects on his artistic evolution, his rejection of labels, and the subconscious forces that shape his work. Art historians, curators and fellow artists explore how his life, heritage, and travels converge on canvas. Journalist: Tefera Ghedamu