Chromatic Bloom: Dawit Adnew

Experimenting with different materials and media, Dawit considers his compositions as a search for simplicity. His prior experience in textile design informs his works. Dramatic patterns are both background and foreground in his paintings. Flat, static figures exude calmness as they languorously lounge together. None of the figures seem lonely, they are simply at pause. Their eyes appear to look back at the viewer, their bodies posed as if for a photograph. 

The addition of synthetic material such as wrapping paper adds dimension to these paintings, setting the figures in an otherworldly realm. Various plants, baskets, and flowers are reminiscent of Gauguin’s paintings.

Dawit Adnew (1973) is based in Addis Ababa and studied at the Addis Ababa University Alle School of Fine Arts and Design. His work has been included in various exhibitions in Addis Ababa, New York, Nairobi, Malta, and London.

Text by Hiwot Abebe