The Guardian in conversation with Michael Tsegaye:
More hereMichael Tsegaye turned to photography because of an allergy to oil paint. Caitlin Chandler talks to him about 'African art', Renoir and his upcoming exhibition in Oslo
Working Girls II (2008) Photograph: Michael Tsegaye
Originally a painter, Tsegaye turned out to be allergic to oil paint, and switched to photography in 2003. Photography brought him out of the studio and into constant negotiation with places and people; he says he's never looked back.
Tsegaye's photographic series range from tackling social issues such as climate change to pondering space and time across Ethiopia. He has worked in a variety of mediums and formats, and is increasingly in demand from commercial and non-profit clients. Despite exhibiting around the world, Tsegaye regularly debuts work in his hometown. We chatted over coffee about how the media portrays African artists, which subjects catch his attention, and what reaction to his photos has surprised him the most.
