Circle Art Auction 2015 Lot 19 Tamrat Gezahegn

Tamrat Gezahegn (Ethiopian, born 1977)
Spirit Doors I, 2015
Unsigned
Acrylic on canvas
140 x 140 cm

Ksh 319,000-385,000
(US$ 2,900-3,500)
Sold Ksh 375,680

Provenance: direct from the artist

Tamrat Gezahegn’s experimental practice is rooted in the study of indigenous knowledge and the cultural practices of ancient and traditional societies of Africa, in particular the people of the Omo Valley in Ethiopia.

This improvisational painting stems from his exploration into how these traditional wisdoms connect to contemporary choices of visual expression and lifestyle; his use of colour, pattern and texture are derived from this exploration.

Gezahegn graduated from the Alle School of Fine Arts and Design with a BFA in Painting. He has taken part in numerous group and solo exhibitions both nationally and internationally. He is a founding member of NAS Studio and Netsa Art Village in Addis Ababa. His work is featured in international collections and in 2014, featured in the Africa Now auction at Bonhams Auction House in London.