ODYSSEY

Art Exhibition by Mikiyas Sintayeu

Mikiyas’s work explores human emotion and their evolving relationship with technology. His paintings challenge viewers to reflect on the ways these objects, most notably mobile devices, shape our interactions and connections, often blurring the lines between meaningful engagement and isolation. At the center of his work lies a fascination with how technology, while offering boundless possibilities for communication, can become an obstacle to authentic human connection. This paradox is a recurring theme throughout his work.

The concept for Mikiyas’s current collection, Odyssey, was sparked by a pivotal visit to Dire Dawa five years ago, where he experienced the richness of face-to-face interaction. This trip triggered his exploration into the role of technology in modern life. Over time, his inspiration expanded to include objects found in his home, leading him to experiment with different perspectives. These experiences prompted him to reconsider the overwhelming presence of technology and explore the chaotic effects of globalization on relationships.

To bring these concepts to life, Mikiyas primarily uses acrylic and ink, mediums that allow for spontaneity and immediacy in his process. The fast-drying nature of acrylic allows him to capture fleeting moments, while ink provides grounding elements, bringing lines and patterns that speak to the raw, unfiltered emotions in his work. His palette of warm, evocative colors further enhances this sense of immediacy and emotional depth, with each hue emerging organically from the creative process.

One of the many recurring symbols in his work is the apple, referencing both the biblical fruit of knowledge and the logo of a leading tech company. For Mikiyas, this symbol encapsulates the notion of a modern-day sin: the over-reliance on technology and its consequences for human interaction and community. Through this and other symbols, he poses a critical question: Is this creation—this digital Eden we’ve constructed—a paradise, or a maze that distances us from the essence of human connection?

Mikiyas’s work is a contemplative response to the chaotic interplay between technology and humanity, one that invites viewers to navigate their own personal odyssey within a globalized, hyperconnected world.

Artist Biography

Mikiyas Sintayehu was born in 1998 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He earned his bachelor's degree in 2023 in Interdisciplinary Visual Arts from the Addis Ababa University Alle School of Fine Arts and Design. He also holds a diploma in Fine Arts from Entoto Polytechnic College, Addis Ababa (2018).

In 2022, Mikiyas had his first solo exhibition titled Reflections at Atmosphere Gallery in Addis Ababa. The following year, he presented his second solo show, Escape, at The Social Addis in 2023. In addition to his solo exhibitions, Mikiyas has participated in several group exhibitions, including Cube at Brazil in Addis Cultural Space (2023), Impression of Time at Alliance Éthio-Française Gallery (2023), Faces at Hyatt Regency Hotel (2021), The Tales of Rodari at AAU Alle School of Fine Arts and Design Gallery (2020), and the Graduation Exhibition at Entoto Polytechnic College (2018).