Now Representing – Merikokeb Berhanu
Esther Schipper is pleased to announce the partnered representation of Ethiopian artist Merikokeb Berhanu with Addis Fine Art . (This link opens in a new tab).. (This link opens in a new tab).and James Cohan Gallery. (This link opens in a new tab).. (This link opens in a new tab).. This collaboration aims to further elevate Berhanu's international presence and introduce her compelling body of work to a broader audience.
Merikokeb Berhanu’s paintings deftly balance abstraction and recognisable forms, featuring dense backgrounds intertwined with recurring organic elements such as cellular structures, budding plants, and stylised anthropomorphic forms. These compositions explore the complexities of contemporary life, drawing inspiration from both urban and rural landscapes, and delving into themes of rapid urbanisation and the tension between nature and technology. Her recent works incorporate symbols like circuit board patterns and skeletal forms, reflecting on society's estrangement from the natural world.
Born in 1977 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Merikokeb Berhanu graduated in 2002 from Addis Ababa University, Alle School of Fine Arts and Design, with a focus on mural design. Berhanu's work has been showcased in numerous solo and group exhibitions worldwide, including the 59th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, 2022 and Making Their Mark: Art by Women in the Shah Garg Collection, curated by Cecilia Alemani, Shah Garg Foundation, New York, 2023. Her paintings are part of several prestigious institutional collections, including Tate, London, UK; San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco, CA; Denver Art Museum, Denver, CO; Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore, MD; High Museum of Art, Atlanta, GA; Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, MA; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA (promised gift); Inhotim Museum, Brumadinho, Brazil; and Fondation H, Antananarivo, Madagascar.
In May 2025, Berhanu will present her debut solo presentation with Esther Schipper, as part of Gallery Weekend Berlin. James Cohan will stage a solo exhibition of new work by the artist in October 2025. These highly anticipated exhibitions of the artist’s latest works on canvas will introduce new audiences to her evocative and richly layered paintings, further cementing her position as a leading voice in contemporary African art.
This co-representation marks a significant milestone in Berhanu's career, providing her with an expanded platform to engage with audiences across Europe and the United States.
Rakeb Sile and Mesai Haileleul, who co-founded Addis Fine Art in 2016, commented: "Merikokeb Berhanu’s practice exemplifies the extraordinary talent emerging from Ethiopia and the broader Horn of Africa, and we are thrilled to embark on this partnership with Esther Schipper and James Cohan to support her on this next stage of her career. This collaboration reflects the future of how Addis Fine Art intends to work into the future—championing our artists on a global scale by fostering strategic partnerships that provide them with expanded opportunities and visibility. As the international art world continues to recognize the importance of artistic voices from our region, we are committed to ensuring that our artists are represented at the highest levels."
Esther Schipper, the gallery founder and co-owner with her partner Florian Wojnar, said: "I am honored Merikokeb Berhanu is joining Esther Schipper. I have long admired her painting for its beauty and intelligence. Merikokeb was an important artistic position in our painting exhibition Twilight is a Place of Promise in 2024, and I am delighted to present a solo presentation of her work during the Gallery Weekend Berlin. It is a wonderful opportunity to introduce Merikokeb’s work to a wider European audience. I look forward to working with her, Addis Fine Art and James Cohan Gallery."
James Cohan remarked: "Merikokeb Berhanu's work reflects on a unique blend of cultural specificity and an intertwined language of abstraction. We are honored to be working together."
