b. 1983, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Lives and works in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Ephrem Solomon is an Ethiopian visual artist whose work bridges traditional printmaking with contemporary socio-political storytelling. He earned a diploma in Fine Art and Graphic Design from Entoto Art School in 2009. Working primarily with woodcut panels, mixed media, and archival materials like newspapers and printed text, his layered compositions explore themes of identity, societal marginalization, and the complexities of urban life. Solomon often depicts everyday figures like chairs, slippers, neutral yet expressive faces as symbolic vessels for broader narratives around power, inequality, and the human condition. His pieces are rooted in acute observation, drawn from his immediate surroundings in Addis Ababa, with a focus on the “now.” He expresses a preference for exhibiting beyond Ethiopia, noting that his experimental style is more readily recognized abroad. His work has featured in international venues, including the Saatchi Gallery’s “Pangaea” show (London), the National Gallery of Victoria's Triennial (Melbourne), and biennales across East Africa, Germany, and the UK. Solomon’s art ingeniously merges technique, material, and social insight, making him a compelling voice in contemporary African art.