How would you characterize Ethiopian art?

For the professional, Ethiopian art is something special because it starts from our ancient civilization, with its religions, beliefs, culture and history. One need to search beyond the colors on the canvas; understand the meaning behind the painting and the message the artist wants to convey. Painting in Ethiopia is like a mirror which shows the record of past and present. For the artist, whether the methodology is abstract or realism, art is life itself with all it entails.
Art in Ethiopia features many things that may not be easily understood by the average person. Things like fetishes and charms. In order to interpret the art or analyze the concept of the painting, one needs to dig, read and do research about the civilization that art was borne from.
More modern Ethiopian art is very eclectic. We can mention Ethiopian pioneers such as Agegnehu Engeda who have built upon the ancient tradition. We can also take Ale Felge Selam and Maitre Artist Afewerk Tekle who have contributed immensely to realism techniques of painting. You can find their influence in present day art as the two have sparked a new approach, a new direction.
With regards to abstract Ethiopian art, the best and enduring model would be Gebrekristos Desta. I was fortunate enough to be his student. He depicts his thoughts with complete color harmony and by drawing simplistic circles and lines. His works have amazing content and once you acquaint yourself with his style, what had been vague will appear in all its clarity. We learn many new things from his works even today. It has been 25 years since he passed away and yet he still leads as one of the best abstract artists ever. Yet another bright light was Eskinder Boghossian who had been a lecturer in France and the USA before retuning to his homeland to teach at the AASFA.
These two pioneers have made their mark on Ethiopian art. We are now following in their brushstrokes not imitating but doing original work, in part inspired by their example.

How did the Florida exhibition come about?

Mrs. Rebecca Nagi Director of the Harn Museum and Professor Achamyeleh Debela have been working on the project for almost six years. They traveled to Ethiopia several times to screen Ethiopian artists, conduct interviews, take pictures and study our works. 23 finalists were then selected to display their art at the Harn Museum..
It was a great day when on January 26, 2007, ‘Diversity and Change’- Three Generations of Ethiopian Artists’, opened at the Harn Museum in Gainesville, Florida, USA. This show is hugely important in promoting Ethiopian art.
Curators and historians have neglected or have little knowledge about Ethiopian art. However, we believe we have a rich diversity of talent that is reflected in our works. The aim of the exhibition was to make the world aware of Ethiopian art.
The exhibition was a great opportunity for Ethiopia, as well as for the artists because we have been able to transmit vital information through our paintings. The works were by diverse artist.
Personally, I feel it is like a re-birth. I contributed 3 of my paintings, all dating back to 1993. My recent works were not included in this exhibition.

How was the exhibition received by the public?

The audiences at the exhibition were asking dozens of questions, showing their curiosity and great interest in Ethiopian art. Many local artists and scholars attended the exhibition.
Painting is like schoolwork and I view myself growing in art with the comments I get from the audience. Remarks are my reminders telling me to keep my commitment to the public, to always present works that are better than previous ones. Therefore, the exhibition has a great impact not only on my works but also in my life.
What is the status of art appreciation in Ethiopia?

I am happy to say that our society has started to admire and appreciate art with increasing enthusiasm. Not only more and more Ethiopians visit a growing number of galleries but also buy art pieces with the intention to collect .
Previously, the assumption was that only foreigners were interested in collecting art work. I believe this attitude is changing and you see more and more Ethiopians admiring and buying art - even though some pieces are quite expensive. We wish it were not so but there are many reasons why art is expensive.
The problem we artists face is lack of well equipped art studios and materials. Painting materials, brushes etc… are not available locally. The imported materials we use do add to the price, although prices are also determined by the reputation of the artist.
Even so, we have plenty of talented artists who are encouraged by several individuals and organizations.
There are many people and organizations that I would like to give my appreciation to in this regard. The Pushkin Gallery, where I held my first ever exhibition, Alliance Ethio Française, St. George and Asni galleries, the Italian and German cultural institutes and Sheraton Addis, among others have contributed to paving the way for the public to enjoy our paintings. Apart from these venues, private collectors have played a role because they are passing on the legacy of the art. People like Fekade Fenta, a young artist who is also a collector and has been instrumental in promoting Ethiopian art... I have the greatest admiration for him. Others are patrons such as Kebour Ghenna and Mesfin Gebreyes Oda, whom I consider to be like cultural bridges between generations as they are avid collectors of contemporary art.

Do you maintain contacts with other African artists?

I was invited to attend an exhibition in Cairo in 1998 and was able to meet Sudanese and other Arab artists. We receive lots of invitations but due to financial constraints, we can’t attend many of these opportunities unless the host covers our expenses.
The Institute of Ethiopian Studies has a program once or twice a year through which art exchanges are conducted with east and southern African countries.
We need many such opportunities to come out and display our works. Personally, I feel that I haven’t reached enough art lovers even in my own country.