Tesfaye Urgessa: The Lingering Departure at White Cube

Evocative figures, caught in the moment of transition and movement. Tesfaye Urgessa claims he is deeply interested in the deconstruction of human anatomy, encapsulating a range of emotions while allowing the painting to evolve. But what enchanted me the most were the brushstrokes and the lines — so thoughtful, yet intuitive, so in place. I think it is even more evident in his drawings.
It was particularly interesting to learn that he didn’t have any access to museums or exhibitions when he was growing up; the whole world of art was mostly unknown to him, so his early inspiration and things to copy were fashion magazines and Ethiopian Orthodox Church iconography. I think it is possible to still see it, especially in the small portraits.

Exhibition period: 9.09–20.10
Gallery address: 50 Connaught Road Central