Etiye Dimma Poulsen I Les trois grâces I La Jeunesse

Born in Ethiopia in 1968 and raised in Denmark, sculptor Etiyé Dimma Poulsen, sculptures transcend cultural and geographical boundaries, offering a profound exploration of the human condition. Her art resonates with themes of beauty, vulnerability, and authenticity, making her a leading figure in the global contemporary art scene.

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The Creative Process

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Etiyé Dimma Poulsen’s sculptures are a blend of tradition and innovation, crafted with meticulous care. Using metal wire to shape the framework of her figures, she sculpts fine clay over them, allowing her process to remain fluid and open to change. Each piece undergoes a transformative journey in the kiln, where fire introduces cracks, textures, and imperfections that reflect life’s fragility and raw beauty.

“For me, firing is a magical moment—a fusion of earth and fire,” Etiyé shares. “These new creatures emerge from the ashes, embodying a materialized ecstasy. It’s not just about creating; it’s about discovering.”

Her art bridges the ancient and the modern, drawing inspiration from the rich traditions of African art, while incorporating elements of ancient Greek, prehistoric, and Eastern aesthetics. This unique blend positions her work as a reinvention of archetypes—totems that connect past and present in a seamless dialogue.

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Themes and Influence

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Etiyé Dimma Poulsen’s work focuses on the primal aspects of human existence.
“I strive to shape figures in their most naked, primal state, symbolizing solitude, fear, desire, and belonging,” she explains. “Each sculpture is a trace of human culture, a reflection of our shared existence on earth.”

Her creations often form communities—a gathering of totems that resemble a forest. This collective presence speaks to the interconnectedness of humanity, a theme central to African contemporary art and to Etiyé’s personal philosophy.

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The Essence of African Contemporary Art

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While deeply rooted in her Ethiopian heritage, Etiyé Dimma Poulsen’s work transcends traditional definitions of “African art.” Her sculptures evoke the essence of African contemporary art, blending cultural memory, modern craftsmanship, and universal themes. They celebrate the beauty, dignity, and vulnerability of the human form, offering viewers a profound connection to their own humanity.

“I want my art to capture the ephemeral joy of living,” Etiyé says. “Even though joy is transient, art has the power to make it endure forever.”

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Discover Etiyé Dimma Poulsen’s World

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Immerse yourself in the evocative sculptures of Etiyé Dimma Poulsen, where earth and fire converge to create timeless expressions of life. Her art reflects the vibrancy of African contemporary art while inviting viewers into a shared exploration of human culture and emotion.

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COLLECTIONS & MUSEUMS

• Smithsonian, Washington (Musée le plus prestigieux au monde pour l’art africain)
• New Walk museum, UK
• Herbert Johnson Museum, NY
• Musée de Sèvres
• World bank Collection
• Fondation Jean-Paul Blachère
• Musée Théodore Deck Guebwiller
• Hood Museum Hanover New Hampshire
• Hans Bogatzke Collection of Contemporary African Art Germany

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