Birhane Worede’s intimate and affective portraits are rendered in a reductive stylistic approach, grounding colour, gesture and surface quality. He sees his process as one akin to abstraction, applying oil paint on canvas in loose washy strokes and using suggestive lines and tonal shifts to define the composition, often a solitary figure in a domestic interior setting. Worede’s works also play with mood, oscillating between cool and warm palettes
“Throughout my work, I expressed interest in self-discovery and the everyday occurrences of the surrounding world. Growing up, living and working as a studio artist in the biggest market place of Africa “Merkato” Addis Ababa influences my work. Human life and emotions are main inspirations… I want my work to create consciousness … self-awareness, curiosity for others’ self- examination.”
Worede received a BFA from the Alle School of Fine Arts in 2021 where he graduated with honours and is currently pursuing a Masters of Fine Art at the same institution.Worede has exhibited locally and internationally with group shows in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Memphis, USA, London, UK and Johannesburg, South Africa. He has a solo exhibition at Circle in 2026 following a successful group show in 2024.
