By Yonathan Yoseph
Bekele Mekonnen, an associate professor at the Ethiopian Fine Art School, stands as one of Ethiopia’s most revered contemporary visual artists, renowned for his innovative approach to art. Born in Bishoftu, a town nestled in the East Shewa Zone of Oromia, Bekele’s journey to artistic prominence was anything but conventional.
Growing up surrounded by the natural beauty of Bishoftu, Bekele’s fascination with art emerged early, though it lacked familial encouragement. “Most of my family members or close friends were military personnel or flying technicians,” Bekele recalled, reflecting on his childhood. Yet, despite the absence of artistic influences at home, his passion endured.
Bekele attributes much of his early inspiration to his high school art teacher, whose distinctive teaching style left an indelible mark on him. “I became drawn to all things aesthetic—writing poetry, sewing garments, even redesigning shoes,” he said. “But it was my art teacher in Bishoftu, a brilliant orator with a unique way of drawing and painting, who encouraged me to move to Addis Ababa and enroll in art school.”
With determination as his guide, Bekele completed five years of art education in Addis Ababa, where his exceptional talent earned him a position as a junior instructor at the university. His journey, however, was not without obstacles.
Escaping Conscription, Finding Artistic Freedom
The Derg regime loomed large over Bekele’s early career. As mandatory national military service approached, his father, fearing for his safety, urged him to leave Ethiopia. “It was a frightening time,” Bekele shared. “My father pushed me to go anywhere to escape the danger.”
That decision led him to Moscow, where he enrolled in the prestigious State Art Institute. Over seven years, Bekele honed his craft, earning a master’s degree and receiving recognition for his academic excellence. Upon returning to Ethiopia, he took on a leadership role at the Ethiopian Fine Art School, teaching and managing the department while continuing to expand his artistic horizons.
Trained in traditional art techniques, Bekele’s transition to contemporary art marked a significant shift in his career. “Art is not just about mimicking beauty; it is about contemplation and communication,” he explained. Embracing modern methods, he began experimenting with unconventional materials such as recycled objects, fire, and even gunpowder.
For the past two decades, Bekele has focused on tools and symbols connected to Ethiopian and African life, exploring their cultural significance through his work. His creations, showcased in exhibitions across Europe—including in the former West and East Germany—have earned him international acclaim.
Bekele’s philosophy reflects his understanding of art as a dynamic, intellectual pursuit. He believes that the evolution of artistic expression mirrors societal change. “Art has moved beyond imitating nature—it is now a vehicle for intellectual and cultural discourse,” he said.
One of Bekele Mekonnen’s most notable exhibitions, “Gluten Freedom,” delved into the intricate relationship between teff—Ethiopia’s staple grain—and the concept of freedom. The exhibition portrayed these elements as intertwined, reflecting the centrality of teff in Ethiopian identity and the nation’s broader sociopolitical narrative. Using metaphors, Bekele crafted visual stories that invited audiences to engage critically with societal values. “Metaphors resonate deeply because people can see themselves in the stories,” he explained.
Bekele’s artistic journey, however, faces challenges rooted in Ethiopia’s limited art market. Many of his works, constructed from dismantled and recycled materials, are tailored for exhibition spaces rather than traditional sale. While these pieces often find buyers among international institutions, Ethiopia’s nascent art market offers fewer opportunities. This gap has compelled him to rely on commissioned projects to sustain his independent endeavors.
“In Ethiopia, oral literature thrives without formal study—it’s part of our cultural fabric,” Bekele observed. “But visual art is less accessible and underdeveloped. My goal is to integrate storytelling, which resonates so naturally with Ethiopians, into the realm of visual art to foster deeper engagement.”
Art Beyond Borders
Bekele’s innovative approach has garnered international acclaim, earning him prestigious awards such as the Pollock-Krasner Award and the Chicago Artists International Program Award. His exhibitions, including “The Smoking Table” in Turin, Italy, have drawn widespread attention.
Reflecting on his work displayed at the Royal Museum of Torino, Bekele highlighted the enduring legacy of colonialism. He noted how many African treasures housed in European museums were taken during colonial rule.
Bekele views his contributions as more than personal achievements—they are assets for the country, stimulating critical thinking and cultural pride. “Art, like the contributions of scientists, is a national resource. It encourages society to think differently,” he remarked.
For him, art holds transformative potential. He believes art has the power to foster a critical and harmonious society.
“Art can save us,” he said. “It teaches values like tolerance and unity, which politics often fails to achieve. Understanding art helps us understand life and live in peace.”
