Frew Kebede is an accomplished Ethiopian artist, industrial designer, and academic with a diverse portfolio that bridges the worlds of visual art, music, and cultural studies. Born in Addis Ababa in 1982, Frew’s academic journey began at Addis Ababa University’s School of Fine Arts and Design, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Industrial Design in 2006. His interest in integrating cultural heritage with contemporary art led him to complete collaborative research projects between the university and the Addis Ababa University Ale School of Fine Arts and Design, as well as with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Ministry of Ethiopian Industry.

Beyond his education in the Fine Arts, Frew expanded his creative repertoire with a strong foundation in music, receiving certification in piano and jazz from the Mega School of Music in 2008. His commitment to furthering his academic pursuits culminated in a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in African Intellectual History and Cultural Studies from Addis Ababa University, completed in 2020.

Frew’s work is an exploration of the intersection between traditional Ethiopian culture and modern artistic expression. In 2007, his graduation project—an Ethiopian traditional bowed musical instrument—was donated to the Ethiopian National Museum, earning him a certificate of recognition for his contribution to preserving Ethiopian heritage.

Over the years, Frew has participated in numerous exhibitions across Ethiopia. These include solo and group art shows such as Neutral Thinking (2010), Free Style Music (2013), and Yambaw Dagna (2014), all of which reflect his commitment to multidisciplinary art practices, particularly sound installation and mixed-media works. His work has been featured in prominent spaces like the Alliance Ethio-Francaise and the Goethe Institute in Addis Ababa. Notable exhibitions include Addis Calling III (2019), a collaboration with fellow artists Tizta Berhanu and Yohannes Tesfaye at the Addis Fine Arts Gallery.

Frew’s work continues to inspire dialogue around the evolution of Ethiopian art, music, and cultural heritage, making him a key figure in both the artistic and academic landscapes of Ethiopia.

Untitled

This vibrant artwork embodies the essence of Basquiat’s unrefined, emotive approach, featuring a mix of acrylic, oil, offset printing, and roasted coffee on canvas. It merges striking, abstract shapes with elements of transformed creatures, animals, and human figures, addressing themes of alienation, identity, power, and the intricate nature of human existence across various dimensions. The incorporation of coffee lends a tactile, organic feel to the piece, while the lively acrylic and oil create a dynamic interplay of movement and vitality. This artwork encourages viewers to delve into the interplay between chaos and intention.

Untitled

This oil on canvas piece features dynamic brushwork and striking figures that take center stage, creating a powerful and engaging narrative. It skillfully merges abstraction with figuration, inviting the viewer to appreciate the movement of shapes and the interplay of vibrant colors, reminiscent of Basquiat’s art that intertwines personal insight with societal critique. The figures, while abstract, express a profound emotional resonance that goes beyond mere representation, highlighting themes of the struggle between blended identities related to race and the spirit of resilience.