Ayeni Olusegun
Doha
Art, one of the oldest forms of expression, is a powerful medium for bridging cultures. Doha-based Ethiopian artist Tessema Asrate exemplifies this through his realistic and impressionist works, which highlight Africa while incorporating elements of his host nation, Qatar, to convey the message of positivity.
"I’ve been in Qatar for the last 16 years, and it is a great place for people with skills to explore different fields of activities,” said Tessema, who graduated from the University of Fine Arts in Ethiopia. "Qatar plays a significant role in several activities, including arts, science, and sport, which is a great advantage for the expats here.”
Tessema has seized this opportunity to benefit from these institutions that support art, such as the Katara Cultural Center, which hosts diverse activities. "As an African, I benefit from that and I can express my art, show my culture, the African culture, energy, and talent to a wider audience. There are many talented African artists, and I hope they can explore the opportunities and showcase their culture to the world,” he added.
An aviation specialist by profession, Tessema paints in his spare time. He has participated in and received awards at numerous international solo and group exhibitions in Ethiopia, Djibouti, France, Sweden, Italy, Holland, Ireland, the UK, the US, and Qatar. In Qatar, he has exhibited at events like the Qatar International Art Festival (QIAF), hosted by MAPS International. The next edition of QIAF will be held from November 25 to 30 this year.
Tessema highlighted the support of MAPS International and its CEO, Mrs. Rashmi Agrawal, in developing artists in Qatar.
"I am an ambassador for MAPS International, and as one of the African residents here in Qatar, it is my duty and responsibility to connect artists, provide information, and facilitate collaboration with the organisation. It is a big role and a great opportunity for myself, and it is a way to help my people showcase their talent too,” he said.
Tessema’s inspiring coffee bean artwork was displayed at the recently concluded Horticultural Expo. Initially created for the 2023 Qatar International Arts Festival, the installation symbolised the connection between art and agriculture, highlighting Ethiopia’s role as the birthplace of coffee.
"I made the coffee bean out of cardboard into a big statue size, and it was displayed at Al Bidda Park for six months during the EXPO. Many people appreciated the sculpture’s uniqueness and were interested in its origin and creation,” Tessema explained.
Currently, Tessema’s work is on display at the ongoing Katara Space Science Program (KSSP), organised by the Cultural Village Foundation, Katara, in collaboration with MAPS International. The ‘Cosmic Canvas Space Art Exhibition’ will run until August 15 at Al Thuraya Planetarium in Katara. Tessema is showcasing his painting themed ‘Space Weather,’ which connects Qatar’s climate with the event’s theme.
"I used warm colours to send my message. I also tried to highlight the World Cup and some astronauts in it, which is my hope for Qatar to maybe have astronauts in space in the future,” he shared.