ETIYÉ DIMMA POULSEN

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Etiyé Dimma Poulsen was born in Ethiopia in 1968 and was later adopted by Danish parents. Without having received formal artistic training, Etiyé studied art history before finding her path as a sculptor. Using metal wire, she creates the basic structures of her figures, carefully applying fine layers of clay over them. This process remains flexible, allowing room for change and development. Firing the figures marks the final stage, with fire becoming an essential part of the creative process. The heat creates cracks and imperfections that contribute to the pure authenticity and vulnerability that characterise her work.

Although Etiyé draws inspiration from African culture, she avoids defining her creations as “African art”. Her focus lies first and foremost on the human being, and particularly on women, capturing their beauty, dignity and vulnerability through minimal details and rich textures. Her elongated forms, natural pigments and expressive poses carry a profound emotional and human power. Rather than relying on elaborate details, Etiyé allows subtle gestures and imperfections to give each figure its own presence and personality. In this way, she creates sculptures that transcend cultural boundaries and touch upon something deeply universal.