Serkalem Mekonin

When I reached secondary school, my brothers continued to support and encourage me. They would take me to many art exhibitions back home in Ethiopia. These events opened my eyes to the power of art. I saw how artists used colors, shapes, and lines to tell stories, express feelings, and reflect on life. Seeing the work of other artists made me more curious and eager to improve my own skills. Recognizing my deep interest in painting, my brothers helped me join an art class at my high school, taught by a talented artist named Ababa Tesfiye. He quickly became more than just a teacher; he became my mentor. He guided me, gave me advice, and most importantly, believed in my potential. Through him, I was introduced to many other young artists who shared the same dreams.

We would often talk about our ideas, share our work, and learn from one another. Eventually, I decided to follow my passion and turn it into a career. I was accepted into the Addis Ababa University School of Fine Arts and Design, one of the most respected art schools in the country. I studied there for four years and graduated in 1995. It was one of the proudest moments of my life. For me, painting is more than just a hobby or a job. It is the way I communicate my deepest emotions. Sometimes, there are feelings that I cannot explain with words, but I can show them through my art. When I paint, I feel calm and at peace. It feels like I am lifting something heavy off my chest. My paintings often reflect emotions, daily life, nature, and memories from my past. It also mainly reflects on Ethiopian history. Each piece I create tells a part of my story.