Ephrem Solomon was born in 1983 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he lives and works.

His socio-political works, made from wood engraving or plywood and mixed media are inspired by his observation of contemporary society in Addis Ababa. Trained in traditional engraving, Solomon creates portraits inspired by the people around him, creating recognizable figures that remain invisible to society.

Ephrem Solomon observes his environment and presents socio-political works in wood engraving and mixed media. Sometimes his works in black and white seem to symbolize reality. Solomon presents his observations through symbolism and the use of personal and political documents.

Many of his works remain untitled, allowing viewers to identify with his portraits.

Solomon for the meantime does not exhibit in his own country. “People do not like my work in Addis Ababa, they like acrylic painting on canvas and figurative pictures; otherwise, they do not consider it art. That’s why he prefers to exhibit his work abroad. “The outside world is more understanding. “

To express the modern human condition is his creed. According to him, the role of an artist is to document the spirit of time and the present. Questioning the current craze for contemporary African art, he continues to be a portraitist of neutral faces, sad or deformed because according to him in the real world perfection does not exist. One of Ephrem’s favorite spots for observation is around the Addis Ababa stadium, where he draws different facial expressions. It’s a place where people gather, laugh, chat and play games. It’s almost like a games room where people talk freely and live their lives here and now.

“I like the idea that life is NOW! Not yesterday, tomorrow or in the future…”

 

Solomon has exhibited internationally, including shows in Ethiopia, Kenya, Dubai and Croatia. His works are part of private collections in Dubai, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and the United Kingdom, including the Saatchi Collection.

Pieces at the Gallery