Leikun Nahusenay

(b. 1982, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans painting, printmaking, photography, and mixed media. His work explores themes of spirituality, identity, and the human experience, often blending traditional Ethiopian motifs with contemporary techniques.
Although largely self-taught, Nahusenay studied at the Ale School of Fine Arts and Design, where he refined his artistic approach, and later at Teferi Mekonnen School, graduating in 2011. He is currently based at Nas Gedame Studio in Addis Ababa, where he continues to develop his practice.
Nahusenay’s artistic style is characterized by his innovative use of double exposure, collage, and scratch-and-peel techniques. These methods allow him to create layered, dreamlike compositions that challenge conventional perceptions of time, space, and existence. His works often feature figures in contemplative states, set within ethereal landscapes that evoke a sense of transcendence and introspection. Music plays a crucial role in his creative process, further influencing the rhythm and movement within his compositions.
Throughout his career, Nahusenay has exhibited widely both in Ethiopia and internationally. His solo exhibitions include Process & Progression at Addis Fine Art (2016), End of Residence at Dos Mares in Marseille, France (2018), and Black Madonna at Post Gallery in Addis Ababa (2023-2024). He has also participated in significant group shows such as Addis Calling 2 (2016), Future Makers at the National Museum of Ethiopia (2012), and Draw Me A Castle at Alliance Ethio-Française in Addis Ababa and Paris (2011).
A recurring subject in Nahusenay’s work is the representation of women, particularly Somali women from Ethiopia’s southwestern regions. His peeling and layering techniques in these works symbolize resilience, history, and the complexity of personal and collective identities. His art does not merely depict the visible but seeks to reveal the unseen layers of experience and memory.
Beyond his artistic practice, Nahusenay is deeply committed to art education. He has dedicated himself to teaching children, including those with special needs, helping to nurture the next generation of Ethiopian artists. His work is part of numerous private and institutional collections and has gained recognition for its ability to bridge historical and contemporary narratives within African art.
Source
https://contemporaryand.com/exhibition/leikun-nahusenay-process-progression/
https://pavillon54.com/artists/102-leikun-nahusenay/
https://www.mutualart.com/Artist/Leikun-Nahusenay/AEBD6BC08CF166D8/Biography