Portraits of the In-Between:

Neither Here Nor There

This collection is a personal narrative, a series of moments captured on film that speak quietly to the experiences of living within a space that is constantly evolving. It is a reflection of my own emotions as I navigate the idea of home and what it means to be from Ethiopia—a country with a rich past, an unfolding present, and an unwritten future.

As I wander through the streets, the fields, and the corridors of everyday life, I find myself moved by the simple, yet profound, scenes of existence. The mundane becomes significant, telling a story of life lived in the subtle tension between change and constancy. These images are my silent conversation with the world around me, an attempt to grasp and share the nuances of a personal journey through time and space.

Through my analog photography practice, I have sought to capture the essence of transition, the quiet corners of daily life that often go unnoticed yet are filled with emotion. From the solitary figure against a landscape of change to the quiet communion of individuals going about their day, between Wenchi, Ankober, and Addis, each image is an intimate glimpse into the soul of a place that I hold dear.

This series is a personal expression of the contrasts that define my experience of Ethiopia. It is not just a home, but a crossroad of histories and possibilities, a place where every step forward is taken with a respectful nod to the past. It is my hope that these images resonate as an honest portrayal of my connection to a land that is both timeless and timely.

"Portraits of the In-Between" invites you to experience the myriad emotions that come with standing on the threshold of what was and what could be, in a land that refuses to be defined by either alone. In these portraits, I invite you to see Ethiopia through my eyes — not as static or stagnant, but as a vibrant entity, forever existing in an evocative state of 'in-betweenness'.

Zelalem Gizachew

Zelalem Gizachew, with a background in public health, technology, and photography, is driven by an interest in exploring the intersections of disciplines. His work, characterized by a unique blend of creativity and analytical insight, aims to capture and reflect on the complex narratives and emotions found within everyday scenes and interactions.

Exhibited Photos

45,000 ETB - 375$ - 285£

Capture date: July 2022
Location: Addis Abeba
Camera: Yashika 124G Medium format
Film: Ilford HP5 120 film
Print Size: 95cm x 95cm on canvas
Availability Status: First Edition Available
45,000 ETB - 375$ - 285£

Capture date: July 2022
Location: Ankober
Camera: Yashika 124G Medium format
Film: Ilford HP5 120 film
Print Size: 95cm x 95cm on canvas
Availability Status: First Edition Available
45,000 ETB - 375$ - 285£

Capture date: 2018
Location: Addis Abeba
Camera: Yashika 124G Medium format
Film: Ilford HP5 120 film
Print Size: 95cm x 95cm on canvas
Availability Status: First Edition Available
45,000 ETB - 375$ - 285£

Capture date: 2018
Location: Addis Abeba
Camera: Yashika 124G Medium format
Film: Ilford HP5 120 film
Print Size: 95cm x 95cm on canvas
Availability Status: First Edition Available
70,000 ETB - 600$ - 460£

Capture date: June 2022
Location: Wenchi
Camera: Yashika 124G Medium format
Film: Ilford HP5 120 film
Print Size: 95cm x 95cm on canvas
Availability Status: First Edition Available
*The proceeds from this sale will go directly to the family pictured.
45,000 ETB - 375$ - 285£

Capture date: 2018
Location: Addis Abeba
Camera: Yashika 124G Medium format
Film: Ilford HP5 120 film
Print Size: 95cm x 95cm on canvas
Availability Status - First edition available.
Availability Status: First Edition Available
45,000 ETB - 375$ - 285£

Capture date: July 2022
Location: Ankober
Camera: Yashika 124G Medium format
Film: Ilford HP5 120 film
Print Size: 95cm x 95cm on canvas
Availability Status - First edition sold; second edition ready in 1-2 weeks.
70,000 ETB - 600$ - 460£

Capture date: June 2022
Location: Wenchi
Camera: Yashika 124G Medium format
Film: Ilford HP5 120 film
Print Size: 95cm x 95cm on canvas
Availability Status - First edition available; not in exhibition, purchase possible.
*The proceeds from this sale will go directly to the family pictured.
45,000 ETB - 375$ - 285£

Capture date: 2021
Location: Addis Abeba
Camera: Yashika 124G Medium format
Film: Ilford HP5 120 film
Print Size: 95cm x 95cm on canvas
Availability Status - First edition available; not in exhibition, purchase possible.
45,000 ETB - 375$ - 285£

Capture date: 2018
Location: Addis
Camera: Minolta 35mm
Print Size: 95cm x 135cm on canvas
Availability Status - First edition available; not in exhibition, purchase possible.