Ethiopia’s art community is mourning the loss of acclaimed artist and educator Behailu Bezabih, who passed away on April 10, 2026, at the age of 66.
Behailu, an Assistant Professor at Addis Ababa University’s Alle School of Fine Arts and Design, was widely regarded as a pivotal figure in the evolution of modern Ethiopian art. Over a career spanning several decades, he became known for blending Ethiopian cultural traditions with modern and experimental artistic approaches.
Born in Addis Ababa in 1960, Behailu studied at the Alle School of Fine Arts and Design, graduating in 1980. He later returned to the institution as a faculty member, where he played a key role in shaping generations of artists. In addition to his teaching, he served as Associate Dean for Research and Technology Transfer, contributing to the school’s academic and institutional development.
Behailu was among a group of visionary artists who helped redefine Ethiopia’s contemporary art scene in the years following the fall of the Derg regime. He was also a founding member of the influential Dimension Group, which played a significant role in introducing new artistic expressions and dialogue in the country.
His work was particularly noted for its sense of spontaneity—an approach he often attributed to insights gained during his three decades of teaching children at Hiwot Berhan Elementary School. This experience shaped both his artistic philosophy and his commitment to nurturing creativity at an early age.
Beyond Ethiopia, Behailu’s work gained international recognition, earning him a place in exhibitions and artistic platforms abroad and further cementing his legacy as one of the country’s leading modern artists.
