Mickaël Bethe-Selassié, painter and Sculptor, dies aged 69

Mickaël Bethe-Selassié, a painter and sculptor whose colorful portraits of whimsical statue-like sculptures in papier mâché brought him international renown, has died at the age of 69.

The artist has exposed his works in some prestigious museums at the group and solo shows in Paris, Amsterdam, Anvers, Barcelona, Berlin, Cologne, Geneva, London, Rio de Janeiro, Washington DC. He appeared on the covers of several fine art magazines and was invited to produce art for high-profile cover art for Peter Gabriel music. The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art in Washington D.C. has acquired one of his sculptures for its permanent collection.

The late Mickaël’s sister, Yehulashet confirmed her brother’s death on Wednesday, saying he had been found dead at his apartment in Paris, a city where he spent most of his adult life. An acquaintance of the artist told Ethiopia Observer that the artist has not been ill but might have suffered a heart attack.

Read the profile of the artist here.