Nigatu Tsehay (b.1981, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Lives and works in Sinn, Germany)
Nigatu Tsehay’s artistic practice is an exploration of identity, memory, and the complexities of the human condition, where moments of emotional and existential tension are captured through the human form. These works are fragments of an evolving visual diary, shaped by experiences of fear, safety, and belonging—experiences that define the human condition universally. Drawing deeply from his Ethiopian roots and the experience of living between Addis Ababa and Germany, Tsehay’s work transcends specific identities, offering a broader space for introspection and connection.
Central to Tsehay’s art is the human figure, a vessel for introspection, vulnerability, and resilience. Rendered in dark tones, his figures do not simply signify race, but reflect humanity in a way that challenges conventional assumptions of belonging. In his work, blackness becomes a shared visual language that transcends cultural specificity. These figures, often depicted in fragmented, surreal spaces, embody a tension between connection and isolation. Their gazes and gestures evoke quiet moments of introspection, offering the viewer an opportunity to project their own narratives onto the scene. Tsehay’s canvases often resemble paused moments in a film, where the weight of existence lingers in the fragmented human forms, evoking a sense of temporality. These figures, frequently caught in contorted, dynamic poses, suggest a complex inner world. Their eyes may wander in different directions, their limbs twist and punctuate the spaces they inhabit, reflecting the often fractured nature of human perception. This interplay between realism and abstraction introduces a surrealist dimension, where everyday objects—like a sofa, a houseplant, or a tiled floor—are reimagined in almost cubistic arrangements. These elements are not merely background but active participants in the space, invoking different perspectives on the passage of time and the emotional landscapes of the human experience. The artist’s process is improvisational, blending drawing and painting in a fluid dialogue. This method allows him to explore both emotional resonance and narrative ambiguity. Through vibrant yet grounded colors and layered brushstrokes, Tsehay creates figures and spaces that balance abstraction with visceral emotional depth.
Over the years, his work has evolved across various series, each reflecting a new phase in his exploration of both personal and collective realities. In earlier series like Idle Moments and Stories on the Wall, Tsehay navigated the tension between cultural displacement and belonging, shaped by his transition from Ethiopia to Europe. In later works such as Momentary Glimpse and Dreams and Buoyant Spaces, his exploration deepened into surrealism, constructing dreamlike environments where fragmented figures and abstract forms coexist in layered, symbolic spaces. His most recent series, Lies of Heroism, expands into a broader societal commentary, reflecting on the constructed nature of heroism in the context of crisis and propaganda, and the way collective narratives distort personal truths. Through these shifting lenses, Tsehay invites his audience into a fragmented yet interconnected world, a space where the rhythms of existence—its fragility, resilience, and universality—are honored. His blending of abstraction with realism creates a body of work that resonates deeply, offering moments of reflection and connection while questioning the assumptions and societal narratives that shape our shared reality. Tsehay’s art not only reflects the complexity of human experience but challenges viewers to engage in the essential act of inquiry, inviting them to explore their own questions about identity, memory, and the passage of time.