Dawit Abebe
Dawit Abebe | |
|---|---|
| Born | Ethiopia |
| Occupation | Contemporary artist |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Known for | Promoting awareness of the artistic landscape, societal dynamics, and historical context of Addis Ababa; artworks exploring urban growth and human development |
Dawit Abebe is a contemporary artist from Ethiopia who concentrates on promoting awareness of the artistic landscape, societal dynamics, and historical context of Addis Ababa. His creative approach highlights the significance of comprehending how history shapes current realities to foster human advancement.
Career
In 2001, Dawit Abebe completed his studies at the Alle School of Fine Art and Design, part of Addis Ababa University, where he trained in painting, sculpture, graphic arts, photography, and industrial design. His artworks are characterized by the use of bright colors set against serious subject matter, often exploring themes related to urban growth and human development. Through freehand methods, Abebe captures daily life and social interactions, expressing a range of emotions.
That same year, he established Habesha Studio in Ethiopia and continues to serve as its artist-in-residence. The studio has achieved notable commercial success. Prominent pieces such as "Mutual Identity," "Background 1," "Background 2," and "X Privacy" have contributed to raising the profile of modern Ethiopian art.
Abebe has collaborated with UNICEF to facilitate art workshops aimed at underprivileged children in Arba Minch, Jinka, and Addis Ababa.
Exhibitions
Solo Exhibitions:
- EDIT, Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, London (2020)
- Mutual Identity, Addis Fine Art Gallery, Addis Ababa (2018)
- Liminal in the age of Mobile-ty, 68 Projects, Berlin (2018)
- Quo Vadis?, Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, London (2017)
- Background 2, Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, London (2015)
- Background 1, Lela Gallery, Addis Ababa (2014)
- X Privacy, Alliance Ethio-Française, Addis Ababa (2012)
Group Exhibitions:
- Karachi Biennial (2019)
- 1:54 Contemporary African Arts Fair, London (2019, 2018)
- Kubatana, Vestfossen Kunskaboratorium, Norway (2019)
- Imago Mundi, Trieste, Italy (2018)
- VOLTA13, Basel (2017)
- Everything Exists Now, Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, London (2017)
- Art Dubai, in collaboration with Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery (2017)