Tekle, Afewerk

Born 1932. Ethiopian painter, graphic artist, and sculptor.

Tekle graduated from the faculty of arts of the University of London in 1953. Combining monumental composition with intense decorative color schemes, Tekle specializes in allegorical portraits, landscapes, watercolors, and book illustrations. He creates works of monumental applied art, such as the stained-glass panel in Africa Hall in Addis Ababa (1961–63), and sculptures, for example, the equestrian statue of Ras Makonnen in Addis Ababa (bronze, 1960’s). The struggle of the African peoples for independence is an important theme in Tekle’s work.