Fitsum was born in Ethiopia. Later, he moved to Eritrea where he completed his studies in painting, sculpture and print making at the Asmara School in 2000. Fitsum moved to Kenya in 2003 where he has been creating artwork that explores the relationship between man and his environment. His sizeable, intense portraits are an enquiry in to the social, political and geographical influences in the construction of identity and the self. Using a hypnotizing palette, his paintings are a contemplation of the human form and condition. Applying generous strokes of bold acrylic colour, he forms the features and physiques of real and imagined subjects. Fitsum’s figure paintings express intense emotion; raw sentiments that seem to resonate with the viewer. His unique use of colour and contrast, light and shadow, work to emphasize their expressions, capturing the fervour of the human spirit and the intensity of our being. By Zihan Kassam, Art Journalist
blue is another red
Exhibiting in France for the second time, Fitsum’s exhibition “Blue is Another Red” at the Hotel de L’Industrie Saint Germain in Paris opened on September 19, 2013. Large portraits of male figures; semi-nude front profiles and side profiles, with back or torso exposed, revealed black, muscular men in a palette branded by purples, reds and blues. Fitsum says he has discovered that certain colours subsist together creating a synchronization in his artwork.
2001 Alliance Francaise, Asmara
2006
Kunst Welten, Salzburg
Lamu Island
The Talisman Restaurant, Nairobi
2008
Galerie Alexandre Cadain, Paris
2009
RaMoMa Art Gallery, Nairobi
2010
The Talisman Restaurant, Nairobi
2011
Gallery Tongkeun, Seoul
2012
Galerie 23, Amsterdam
Gallery Louiza, Antwerp
Gazzambo Gallery, Madrid
Capital Club, Dubai
2013
L’Hôtel de l’Industrie, St.Germain, Paris
2014
GAFRA, London
GAFRA, London (Billionaire Couture, Art 1:54
www.fitsumberthe.com
