About Haile

Background

Hailegebrel Nigussie, known simply as Haile, was born in 1990 in Debre Zeyit, Ethiopia. From a young age, he felt a deep connection to color, form, and the stories hidden within them. What began as a quiet passion grew into a powerful calling.

After attending supportive courses at art schools and universities, Haile chose to fully dedicate his life to painting. Working from his personal studio, he explores themes that are both deeply personal and universally human: identity, nature, history, and social connection.

His work has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions across Ethiopia, where he continues to share his unique visual language – a blend of emotional expression, cultural memory, and intuitive depth.

For Haile, art is not just a profession – it's a way to reflect, connect, and bring beauty with meaning into the world.

Exhibitions

Throughout his career, Haile has presented his art at various exhibitions and art events:

• 2008: Lifestyles of the People ; Exhibition at the Tomi International Hotel, Addis Ababa

• 2010: Ancient African History ; solo exhibition at the Hiwot Cultural Center, Addis Ababa

• 2012: Group exhibition at the Ethiopian National Theatre, Addis Ababa

• 2014: Solo exhibition at Babogaya Resort, Bishoftu

• 2014: Exhibition at Axum University focusing on the ancient history of Axum and Queen Sheba, Axum

• 2017: Group exhibition at the Mosaic Hotel with mixed media photography and painting, Addis Ababa

• 2017: ASHENDA ; Solo exhibition at Ambiance Restaurant and Guest House, Addis Ababa

• 2018: HARLA ; solo exhibition at the Alliance Ethio-Francaise, Dire Dawa

• 2020: FACES ; Group exhibition at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Addis Ababa

• 2022: Emotional Sweat of Painting ; Solo exhibition at Galleria Tomoca, Addis Ababa

• 2022: Ethiopian Mosaic ; group exhibition at the Ethiopian Metropolitan Gallery, Addis Ababa

• 2024: The Light Path ; solo exhibition at the Addis Ababa Museum

The Light Path - Behind the scenes

NBC Ethiopia - Tomoca Gallery (February 2023)

From the Bazaar to the Webshop

MatthiasKlarl, co-founder of Haile Art, on the friendship and collaboration with the artist Haile:


When I first arrived in Ethiopia in 2017, I met Haile at a cultural bazaar in Addis
Ababa. Among all the stands, his paintings immediately caught my eye: modern,
expressive, and full of energy—so different from anything else on display. From
our very first conversation, a lasting connection began to grow.

I was especially drawn to his “Flowers” collection. Haile told me that he once worked as an electrical engineer for the irrigation system of a flower plantation. Every day he was surrounded by blossoms and vibrant colors - impressions that found their way into this series.

He compared the view of the flowers from above to a planetary system, even to the Big Bang itself: bursting with energy, power, and breathtaking beauty. That same radiance is still present in his paintings today.

Out of our friendship grew the idea to share Haile’s art with a wider audience. This is
how Haile Art was born: an online gallery bringing his remarkable paintings from Addis Ababa to the world. We hope they will inspire you too, filling your home with peace, positive energy, and creativity.

Still, nothing compares to experiencing the originals in person. If you are interested
in a personal viewing, we warmly invite you to get in touch.

Your Haile Art Team