The Love Language of Tizta Berhanu

Ethiopian artist Tizta Berhanu explores humanity’s full spectrum of emotions in her figurative paintings. Narratives of love, affection, friendship, and motherhood flow across her gestural, colourful compositions. Rendered in dreamlike transparent washes, her paintings ebb and flow in a subtle equilibrium of soft opacity and glowing vibrancy. Her figures, often interlaced in an embrace, express the beauty of human touch.

Enveloping the viewer in moments of tenderness and intimacy, her paintings allude to the importance of community, an essential trait in Ethiopian culture. The language of love that threads through all of the artist’s work strikes a chord of particular poignancy in a world yearning for connectivity following prolonged isolation and increasing conflict.

Berhanu (b. 1991) lives and works in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Since graduating from Addis Ababa University, where she studied under Tadesse Mesfin, she has had several solo exhibitions including Heber and Addis Fine Art gallery. Berhanu was part of the Art Dubai 2020 residency program. In 2021, Berhanu had a sell-out booth presented by Addis Fine Art at The Armory Show, New York.

Hi Tizta, can you tell me how your journey as an artist began? Was there a pivotal moment that led you to become an artist?

As a child I was quite social, and I have fond memories of growing up and playing with the other children in my neighborhood. We used to do crafts together, and create shapes using mud. I also used to draw a lot on my own. I never intended to become an artist, but found myself naturally drawn toward an artistic career as I always felt the need to be creating. At first it was very difficult to survive as a full-time artist, but the depth of my passion for art gave me no other choice than to pursue it. I feel so much gratitude for where my career is currently.

Who are the figures in your work?

The figures in my work are not representations of specific people. Instead, I focus on expressing universal human emotions. Sometimes I will use a photograph of a model or a friend as a jumping off point, but then I will merge and combine different bodies and faces so that the final result is completely unique.

Can you tell me about the creative process behind your paintings?

I find inspiration everywhere. I watch movies, collect photographs, even just being at home and meeting people inspires me to paint. I use this archive of moments and memories as visual references to add my own feelings to. The goal is to transfer my emotions and ideas onto canvas, and figurative painting is the best way for me to do that.

How has growing up in Addis Ababa influenced your practice?

In Ethiopia we have a culture of physical closeness. It is very important to us to hug our loved ones, and we are very interdependent. My artwork is based on what I have known since my childhood, and is an expression of my reality. I like reminding people that we are all human, and that we need to lean on each other physically and emotionally to get through both good and bad times.

It’s an honour to include your work ‘Overlapped’ in Artsy’s Benefit Auction supporting Project Healthy Minds. Can you tell me about the inspiration behind this work?

When I started painting, I focused on romantic love. Now, I am interested in exploring a broader spectrum of different forms of love – such as friendship, the bond between mother and child, and familial love. It is inspired by the loving relationships in my own life, and I hope that people who see the painting can feel that.

Are there any particular artists who have influenced you as an artist?

When I studied at the Alle School of Fine Art in Addis Ababa, I was taught by Tadesse Mesfin. He always encouraged us to explore our own signature style, and to let it evolve naturally. He gave us the freedom to make our own discoveries, and made us feel confident about our unique journeys. I’ve always admired many of the great Ethiopian artists, but there has never been anyone in particular who inspired me stylistically, which I think is a good thing.

What are you working on next?

I am always painting, and have been continuing my explorations of color and feeling in my latest works. I feel complete when I paint, and it feels like a very essential and automatic process. I don’t view it as work, it feels as mandatory an activity as eating. It is really an extension of myself, rather than a job. At some point I would perhaps like to share my experience and skills through teaching. I think this would be one of the most meaningful ways to contribute back all that I have received.