Endale Abraham
"Angelica and Friends" Colored Pencil and Ink on Paper, 9x12, 2023. Image Description: A smiling child in a pink bunny suit with a blue bow tied under their chin joins hands and dances in a circle with an assortment of larger-than-life, colorful woodland creatures. The backdrop is a vibrant green field dotted with flowers, set against a clear sky in shades of blue.
"Ed Spidy" Colored Pencil and Ink on Paper, 9x12, 2021. Image Description: Spiderman, in his iconic crouched stance with one hand planted flat between his legs, the other pulled back in a fist.
"Moster House" Colored Pencil and Ink on Paper, 9x12, 2023. Image Description: A ramshackle house with a magenta roof, yellow shutters and and wood panelling in various shades sits atop a moss green hill with a magenta fence behind. The sky is almost solid black with a few gray clouds and some negative space around the house. In the foreground, spiky lime green grass and a single large red flower.
"Untitled (Richard Scarry Vehicles)" Colored Pencil and Ink on Paper, 9x12, 2023. Image Description: An assortment of creatures riding in vehicles made out of everyday objects and foods, in the style of Richard Scarry.
"Untitled" Colored Pencil and Ink on Paper, 9x12, 2023. Image Description: A figure in a black shirt with a wide collar appears from the shoulders up in the foreground of a blue room with a purple floor. Behind him a plant, an aquarium, and some shelves are visible.
"Untitled" Colored Pencil and Ink on Paper, 9x12, 2022. Image Description: A bright orange tiger appears from the neck up, his gaze fixed seemingly somewhere over the viewer's right shoulder, his mouth opens wide revealing massive white teeth standing out against a purple and black interior.
"Untitled" Marker, Colored Pencil, and Ink on Found Paper, 8.5x11. Image Description: On a yellowed generic inventory sheet, two fantastical line drawing creatures look toward a column of handwritten lyrics from Ed Sheeran's "Misery" in soft yellow marker, each letter outlined carefully in one of several colors of ink or colored pencil. Abstract ink designs and a flower decorate the rest of the perimeter.
"Scooby Doo" Colored Pencil and Ink on Paper, 9x12. Image Description: Scooby Doo sits beside his name handwritten in ink, with a smug expression.
bio
Endale Abraham's off-kilter, often surreal drawings are distinguished by their soft touch, attention to detail, sinuous line work, and hybrid subjects. He has been honing his rendering skills for many years, and has developed a talent for capturing wonky and humorous likenesses, which he often endows with farcical or mocking handwritten names. Boldly taking on new subject matter with focused goofiness and versatility, Endale captures perspective space, charming details, and striking contours with his signature linework and style. Endale has been supported by Elbow Room since 2020.
c.v.
2024
Sumersoult, Lowell, Portland OR
Once Upon A Jerry Looney Rainbow Miracle, Elbow Room Gallery, Portland, OR
2023
Hot Kids, Elbow Room, Portland, OR
CHIMAERA.SITE, Lloyd Center, Portland OR
2022
Too Much Sun, Alberta Abbey, Portland, OR
2021
Team Back Together, The Hoffman Gallery at Lewis and Clark College, Portland, OR
2020
portal, Portland Art and Learning Studios, Portland OR
2019
Ebullience, Gallery 114, Portland, OR