Oil painting -> List of Painters -> Afewerk Tekle
EARLY DAYS:
Afewerk Tekle (1932-2012) was an Ethiopian painter.
Afewerk Tekle (1932-2012) was an Ethiopian painter, sculptor, and architect widely regarded as the country's most important modern artist. He was born in 1932 in the small village of Debre Birhan, in Shewa Province in the north of Ethiopia, and passed away in Addis Ababa in 2012.
Tekle is best known for his large-scale public works, which often incorporate traditional Ethiopian symbols, motifs, and forms. His most famous works include the seating area at Addis Ababa Stadium, the seven-meter bronze sculpture at the entrance to the National Museum of Ethiopia, and the giant bronze doors of St. George's Cathedral in Addis Ababa. His use of strong shapes, bright colors, and intricate patterns are a hallmark of his style.
Tekle studied art in Paris in the 1950s and returned to Ethiopia in 1960. He was commissioned to design the national flag in 1996, which featured a yellow lion on a green and red background. He also served as an architect and worked on several public buildings in Ethiopia, including the National Bank of Ethiopia and the Ethiopian National Theater.
In 1971, Tekle was awarded theLenin Peace Prize, an international award presented annually by the Soviet Union. He was also awarded the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Star of Ethiopia, Ethiopia's highest award for civil and military merit.
The influence of Tekle's work can be seen in the work of many contemporary Ethiopian artists. He was a pioneer in combining traditional Ethiopian elements with modern art and architecture. In addition, he was a mentor to a generation of younger Ethiopian artists and helped to establish a foundation for the country's modern art scene.
Afewerk Tekle was an important figure in the development of modern art and architecture in Ethiopia. His works are celebrated both in Ethiopia and abroad, and his legacy lives on in the work of many of the country's current artists. Through his paintings, sculptures, and public works, Tekle left behind a lasting impression on the art and culture of his beloved home country.
Personal Details:
CAREER:
Tekle's career began in the 1950s as a painter, a genre in which he was widely recognized for his unique style. His works were often characterized by bright colors and bold brush strokes, which he used to create abstract designs and landscapes. His paintings often contained elements of traditional Ethiopian art, such as geometric patterns, which he combined with modern influences. His painting style was a signature of his, and he was known for his use of bold colors and shapes to create vibrant and striking compositions.
Tekle's career as a sculptor was equally successful. He was known for his use of metal and stone, which he used to create striking three-dimensional pieces. He often combined traditional Ethiopian motifs with modern influences, creating works that were both aesthetically pleasing and politically charged. He was particularly known for his sculptures of birds, which he crafted with great skill and detail.
Tekle also worked as an architect and interior designer, and his work was marked by an eclectic and imaginative approach. He was known for his creations of unique and innovative designs, often combining traditional Ethiopian elements with modern influences. He was also known for his work in creating public spaces that encouraged social interaction and fostered a sense of community.
Throughout his career, Tekle received numerous awards and accolades for his work. He was the recipient of the Order of Merit of the Empire of Ethiopia in 1975 and the Order of the Star of Ethiopia in 1980. He was also honored with the Gold Medal of Honor from the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences in 1986.
Tekle's work has been celebrated in numerous exhibitions and retrospectives, including at the National Museum of Ethiopia, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. His work is held in various collections, including the British Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
Tekle passed away in 2012, but his work lives on as a testament to his unique and innovative approach to art. His works are a celebration of his unique style, combining traditional Ethiopian motifs with modern influences to create art that is both visually spectacular and politically-charged. His career is a testament to his commitment to experimentation and innovation, and his works continue to inspire generations of artists.
