Ephrem Solomon (Ethiopian, born 1983)
Left to right: The Poor Gambler; Untitled; The Gambler 4, 2013
signed ‘Ephrem 2013’
woodcut, paint and collage
60 x 62cm; 63 x 63cm; 62 x 62cm
Ksh 300,000–400,000
US$ 3,400–4,545
Sold Ksh 704,400
Provenance: Direct from artist
“In a world where newness has become a value in and of itself, I am more moved by the compliment that what I am doing technically feels like something from the past, while embodying something that is currently relevant”.
Born in Addis Ababa, Solomon has specialised in traditional print making. Since graduating from Entoto Art School in 2009, he has participated in various international residencies and workshops including Wasanii international artists workshop, Kenya 2011. He has exhibited in East Africa, Dubai and Croatia.
With a very limited palette and pared-down composition, Solomon combines the tradition of woodcut and collage with graphic design and creates compelling contemporary work. He uses loaded and often repetitive symbols, such as chairs, shoes and tables to discuss sensitive political and social issues within Ethiopia.