Meet Qatar-based Ethiopian artist Tessema Asrate and his canvas of hopes, dreams, and the World Cup!

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Tessema Asrate is an artist who prefers to paint during night time when it’s quiet and when he is relaxed because if the surrounding is not free from noise and his mind not free from negative thoughts, it would be “hard to create brush strokes, and even more to weave colours across the canvas."

Originally from Ethiopia, his childhood days are memories of firewood that served as his tool to draw on the ground. Now, he works with various art tools to experiment with different techniques and styles in painting.

The ILoveQatar.net (ILQ) team caught up with Tessema to ask him a few questions about his artistic journey. Let’s get to know him in this short interview.

ILQ: Please tell us a little about yourself.

Qommunity Voices: Meet Qatar-based Ethiopian artist Tessema Asrate and his canvas of hopes, dreams, and the World Cup! — Image Credit: Tessema Asrate

Tessema: My name is Tessema Asrate. I’m an Ethiopian artist and I’ve been living in Qatar with my wife and four children for the last 13 years.

I'm currently working in the aviation industry as an aircraft technician. During my free time, I paint, paint and paint! I play with colours. Colours are life and beauty for me, and my favourite colour is blue because it symbolises calm and peace. For me, peace and quiet are important when you create an artwork. Also, my hope is that all countries in war and conflict will soon experience peace.

ILQ: Have you been interested in art since childhood?

Tessema: Yes, I have always been fascinated with drawings and making things. I started my art during my childhood years, when we went to fetch water and collect firewood. I used the wood to draw what I imagined on the ground. My family and friends said that I was gifted. That’s when I realised I can draw and that I wanted to paint.

I joined the Ethiopian University of Fine Arts and I graduated from the Special Painting Department. It’s in the university where I fine-tuned my painting skills, which helped develop more of my passion for the arts.

ILQ: Which artist are you most influenced by?

Tessema: I have been painting for more than thirty years now, and I’d say Rembrandt is my great influence. He is one of the greatest storytellers in the history of art. That’s what I also try to achieve, to tell stories through my paintings.

ILQ: What do you like most about being an artist? Why do you love what you do?

Tessema: Painting gives me peace of mind. It releases my stress and gives me mental satisfaction. I love what I am doing because it gives me great happiness. And most importantly, it allows me to express my inner feelings.

Also, I get to share my God-given skills and talent. I give free painting workshops for children.

ILQ: Have you exhibited your artworks?

Tessema: I have participated and received awards in a number of international solo and group exhibitions, including those held in Ethiopia, Djibouti, France, Sweden, Italy, Holland, Ireland, the UK, and Qatar.

Here in Qatar, I have been part of many exhibitions such as those of the Qatar International Art Festival (QIAF) and MAPS International.

In 2019, I was able to display my artworks during the ‘Colours of Desert’ exhibition at Katara Building 19. My painting featured the map of Qatar with a cave and tunnel. Through my painting, I'd tried to depict how Qatar has been thriving and remaining strong despite the blockade. The acrylic painting on canvas shows a Qatari flag and an aircraft flying, suggesting how Qatar continuously connects with different countries.

I was one of the hundreds of artists who participated in the QIAF 2021 exhibition held at Katara Cultural Village. Here, I have exhibited my paintings which center on the World Cup. I chose this theme to show my support for Qatar and sports.

I am excited about the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and the wonderful things it will bring for Qatar and its people.

ILQ: What are your future plans?

Tessema: I have always dreamt of opening a gallery here in Qatar where my paintings and artworks will be showcased. I hope it will happen soon. That’s one dream of mine that I wish would come true.

ILQ: What is your advice for a beginner artist?

Meet Qatar-based Ethiopian artist Tessema Asrate and his canvas of hopes, dreams, and the World Cup! — Image Credit: Tessema Asrate

Tessema: They should focus on what they want. They must work hard for better skills. As always, practice makes perfect.

ILQ: What message do you have for the people of Qatar?

Tessema: If you notice in my paintings, there’s always a map of Qatar. I want to emphasize that Qatar is a small country with so many big and great things to offer. For expatriates like me, we have to love, respect and support our second home and just enjoy life as per the regulations of this beautiful nation.