Ethiopian artist Kaleab Abate has made a name for himself among contemporary African artists thanks to his unique technique and artistic understanding. Born in 1986 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, he graduated from the Ale School of Fine Arts and Design in Addis Ababa in 2021 with a specialization in printmaking.
Kaleab Abate‘s work oscillates between the imaginary and the real, where he creates gargantuan works of art that are normally unattainable. He designs whimsical-looking figures with irregular shapes and measured colors to lend more uncertainty to his creations.
To better justify the foundations of his art, Kaleab Abate states: “My composition is loaded with unexpected shapes and textures. Most of the things in my work are unrealistic. Figures are distorted, shapes are irregular and color options are limited. The vast majority of events are unreal. This bold fantasy piqued my curiosity. My creations, however, have considerable realism. That’s why I consider my works to be fantasy realities“.
Kaleab Abate‘s technique is based on a multidisciplinary approach that allows her to explore different techniques and materials. The use of various etching techniques, charcoal drawing and different design materials enable her to experiment with different layers on these canvases.
In his works, Kaleab Abate really concentrates on the emotions and expressions conveyed by the characters he paints. Almost neglecting the likeness of his subjects, the artist allows himself to be carried away by the engraving and motifs of these canvases. This creative abandon allows him to create unique textures and visual effects, adding depth and texture to these representations.
Kaleab Abate is a talented artist who marries artistic techniques to create singularly striking works of art. The sculptural figures created by the artist display an almost majestic presence that focuses the viewer’s attention. Some of his figures refer to the current lifestyle of young Africans. A realistic image of their enslavement in the face of numerous political, social, economic and educational challenges through works of art that are both aesthetically beautiful and meaningful.