ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Galerie Lelong New York showcases Ficre Ghebreyesus's vibrant archive in exhibition

exhibition · 2026-04-02

Galerie Lelong in New York is currently hosting an exhibition titled 'Color is Supreme,' focusing on the artistic legacy of Ficre Ghebreyesus. The show features a collection of his abstract paintings known for their bold use of color, alongside photographs and personal items from his archive that are being displayed publicly for the first time. These materials were recently uncovered by his son Solomon Ghebreyesus, offering new insights into recurring themes and visual approaches across different media. Ghebreyesus, who passed away, was a multifaceted individual: he ran a popular Eritrean restaurant in New Haven, studied painting at the Yale School of Art, and was active in advocacy for Eritrean independence while living in New York. The exhibition's name references a tribute he wrote to John Coltrane's album 'A Love Supreme,' found in his personal writings. This presentation highlights his artistic skill and diverse life, providing a comprehensive view of his contributions to contemporary art and cultural activism.

Key facts

  • Galerie Lelong in New York is presenting the exhibition 'Color is Supreme'
  • The exhibition is dedicated to the work of the late artist Ficre Ghebreyesus
  • It includes abstract paintings characterized by vibrant color usage
  • Photographs and ephemera from Ghebreyesus's archive are on public view for the first time
  • The archival materials were discovered by his son Solomon Ghebreyesus
  • Ghebreyesus operated an Eritrean restaurant in New Haven
  • He studied painting at the Yale School of Art
  • He was involved in activism for Eritrean independence in New York

Entities

Artists

  • Ficre Ghebreyesus

Institutions

  • Galerie Lelong
  • Yale School of Art

Locations

  • New York
  • New Haven

Sources