Elshalom Kibru Shume

Paintings about loss and what people hold onto after it.

I’m Elshalom Kibru Shume, a self-taught figurative painter based in Addis Ababa. I paint because there are things I don’t always know how to say with words. Much of my work comes from loss, grief, faith, and the quiet moments we carry inside.

I’m drawn to the human figure, especially stillness. A single expression, gesture, or moment of eye contact can sometimes say more than words ever could. Through my paintings, I try to make those quiet feelings visible — the things we hide, the things we lose, and the things we hold onto when everything feels uncertain.

Happening now

Current & Upcoming

In the studio

The Process

Ways to work together

What I Make

Studio Work

Personal paintings, developed in series — the work that isn’t made to order.

View the work →

Commissions

Art replications, portraits, and custom pieces made for you.

See how it works →

Events

Live painting for music nights, weddings, and birthdays.

Book an event →

Get in Touch

kibrushuma@gmail.com
+251 97 411 0647
@j.w.a.pencil
@jwapencil

Based in Addis Ababa. For commissions and events, the form is the fastest way to reach me — I’ll follow up by email.

Studio Pieces
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Get in Touch

kibrushuma@gmail.com
+251 97 411 0647
@j.w.a.pencil
@jwapencil

Based in Addis Ababa. For commissions and events, the form is the fastest way to reach me — I'll follow up by email.

Commissions

Work made for you

Three kinds of commissions, all handled through the same process below.

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Get a Rough Quote

Estimate only — final price is confirmed when you reach out.

Estimated price
—

Rough estimate only. I'll confirm the final price when you reach out.

How It Works

  1. 1Inquiry — Reach out with reference photos (for replications or portraits) or a general idea (for custom work).
  2. 2Quote & Deposit — I confirm the scope and price. A deposit secures your place in the queue.
  3. 3Sketch — You'll see an initial sketch or concept for approval before painting begins.
  4. 4Painting — The piece comes together, with progress updates along the way.
  5. 5Revisions — One round of minor adjustments is included.
  6. 6Delivery — The final piece is ready for pickup, or shipped if needed.

Inquiry

For commissions and events, the form is the fastest way to reach me — I'll follow up by email.

Get in Touch

kibrushuma@gmail.com
+251 97 411 0647
@j.w.a.pencil
@jwapencil

Based in Addis Ababa. For commissions and events, the form is the fastest way to reach me — I'll follow up by email.

Events

Live painting

Watching a painting take shape live is a different kind of experience — here's where you can catch it.

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Based in Addis Ababa

Please reach out at least a week before your event. That's generally enough time to confirm and prepare.

Get in Touch

kibrushuma@gmail.com
+251 97 411 0647
@j.w.a.pencil
@jwapencil

Based in Addis Ababa. For commissions and events, the form is the fastest way to reach me — I'll follow up by email.