Afewerk Tekle

Key facts

Lived

1932–2012, Ethiopia^[1]

Wikipedia

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• What is Afewerk Tekle known for?+

  Afewerk Tekle is known for his stained glass windows in Africa Hall, Addis Ababa, titled *The Total Liberation of Africa*. He also completed other significant commissions, including an altar cross for the Royal Chapel at the Tower of London and murals at St George's Cathedral in Addis Ababa.
• What is Afewerk Tekle's most famous work?+

  Afewerk Tekle is best known for his stained glass window at the Africa Hall of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Addis Ababa. Completed in 1963^[1], the artwork covers 150 square metres. It is divided into three sections, each intended to convey a specific message about Africa's past, present, and future. The first section depicts Africa's history, from ancient civilisations to the struggles of the colonial period. The central section illustrates the challenges of the present day, such as disease, poverty, and conflict. The final section offers a hopeful vision of Africa's future, with images of progress, unity, and development. The Africa Hall window is regarded as one of Tekle's most important achievements, and it has become an iconic symbol of African modernism. Tekle also completed major commissions for Addis Ababa's Holy Trinity Cathedral, where he decorated the interior, including the sanctuary and dome.
• What should I know about Afewerk Tekle's prints?+

  When considering Afewerk Tekle's prints, bear in mind that the art market distinguishes between an original print, a reproduction, and a vintage print. An original print is conceived and executed solely as a print, usually in a numbered edition, and signed by the artist. Each print in the edition is an original, printed individually from a plate, stone, screen, or block created for that purpose. A reproduction is a copy of a work of art initially created in another medium, such as painting or watercolour, often produced via photomechanical means. Signing or numbering a reproduction does not change its essence; it remains a reproduction, not an original print. A vintage print is made around the time the negative was taken; a period print is one made within 10 to 15 years. A modern print is a recent print from the original negative. Handmade, signed, unique prints generally have more value, as do editions with good provenance. Examine prints for condition issues like foxing, creasing, or UV degradation.
• What style or movement did Afewerk Tekle belong to?+

  Afewerk Tekle (1932^[1]-2012^[1]) combined a European academic style with Ethiopian subject matter. He is considered part of the Ethiopian Modernist movement. After training in Addis Ababa, Tekle studied art in London and Paris during the late 1940s and early 1950s. His time in Europe exposed him to a range of Western styles. He synthesised these influences, especially those of stained glass, with traditional Ethiopian artistic themes. Tekle's style often incorporates bold colours and dynamic compositions. These elements create a sense of movement and energy. His work frequently addresses themes of Ethiopian history, culture, and religion. He aimed to create a visual language that was both modern and distinctly Ethiopian. His paintings and stained glass works can be seen in significant buildings in Ethiopia^[1], such as the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa.
• What techniques or materials did Afewerk Tekle use?+

  Technical knowledge is essential to understanding art history. Artists make important choices that exist outside the constraints of their materials; understanding the techniques and processes used helps to clarify the aesthetic decisions of the artist. Some artists used small clay models to work out the arrangement of figures in their compositions. El Greco may have made oil studies for his paintings, and small-scale versions of his compositions painted on panels exist. He was reported to be a slow worker, who retouched his paintings repeatedly, improving his initial brush strokes. Artists are not always confined by the medium in which they work, and it is essential to understand the interface between the qualities of medium and technique and the aesthetic decisions made by the artist. By achieving this understanding, the ways of thinking about, writing about, presenting, and reading art history remain engaged with the work.
• What was Afewerk Tekle known for?+

  Afewerk Tekle (1932^[1]-2012^[1]) was an Ethiopian artist, known for his paintings, and stained glass. He is considered one of Ethiopia^[1]'s most important modern artists. Tekle studied art in London and later returned to Ethiopia. His work often incorporated Ethiopian themes and Christian iconography. He blended traditional Ethiopian artistic styles with European techniques he learned during his studies. One of his most recognised works is the stained-glass window in the Africa Hall of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa. The window depicts scenes from Ethiopian history and culture. Tekle also designed Ethiopia's national emblem. Tekle's artistic output included paintings, murals, and sculptures, in addition to his stained-glass work. He aimed to represent Ethiopian identity through his art.
• Where can I see Afewerk Tekle's work?+

  Afewerk Tekle's most prominent and accessible work is likely the stained glass window inside Africa Hall, at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) headquarters in Addis Ababa. Completed in 1963^[1], the window spans 150 square meters and depicts African history, unity, and progress. While specific locations of Tekle's other works are not widely publicised, he has had displays in collective exhibitions at various museums and galleries. These include the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (New York), and the Tate Gallery in London. His pieces have also been part of international shows in Venice, Amsterdam, and Brussels. To view more of Tekle's work, it would be useful to check with Ethiopian cultural institutions, galleries, and private collections.
• Where was Afewerk Tekle from?+

  Afewerk Tekle was from Ethiopia^[1]. He was born in the town of Ankober, in the Shewa province. Ankober is located roughly 100 miles northeast of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. As a young man, Tekle showed artistic talent, and he was sent to Europe to study art. He studied in London, and later returned to Ethiopia, where he became a significant figure in the country's art scene. He is considered one of the most important Ethiopian artists of the 20th century. Tekle's work often incorporated Ethiopian cultural and historical themes, blending traditional styles with modern techniques. He designed stained glass for St George's Cathedral in Addis Ababa, among other commissions.
• Who did Afewerk Tekle influence?+

  Afewerk Tekle's direct influence is difficult to trace with precision, but some connections can be drawn through the networks of African artists active in the mid- to late 20th century. In South Africa, the Thupelo Art Project, begun in 1985^[1], created a network of artists through workshops and collective studios. These workshops, and others modelled on them in countries such as Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, and Senegal, facilitated cross-influences and relationships between artists. While Tekle was not directly involved with Thupelo, these workshops created a space for artistic exchange in Africa. Within South Africa during the apartheid era, black artists often emulated the style of successful pre-apartheid artists such as Gerard Sekoto, Dumile Feni, and George Pemba, due to limited access to training and exhibition opportunities. However, there is no clear evidence that Tekle's work was specifically emulated in this context.
• Who influenced Afewerk Tekle?+

  Afewerk Tekle (1932^[1]-2012^[1]) was influenced by a combination of Ethiopian artistic traditions and European modernism. He received early art instruction at the Teferi Mekonnen School in Addis Ababa. There, he was exposed to traditional Ethiopian religious art, particularly Ethiopian Orthodox Church iconography. This foundation shaped his early style and use of colour. In 1947^[1], Afewerk was one of a select group sent abroad to study. He first went to London, where he studied at Central School of Arts and Crafts. Later, he continued his education at the Slade School of Fine Art, also in London. During his time in Europe, Afewerk encountered various Western artistic movements, including Cubism and Futurism. These styles impacted his approach to form and composition. His exposure to stained glass in Europe also played a role in his artistic development. This is evident in his later works, such as his stained-glass designs for the Africa Hall at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa headquarters in Addis Ababa. Afewerk synthesised these diverse influences, creating a unique style that blended Ethiopian themes with European techniques.
• Who was Afewerk Tekle?+

  Afewerk Tekle (1932^[1]-2012^[1]) was an Ethiopian artist, most noted for his paintings on African and Ethiopian subjects. He was born in Ankober, Ethiopia^[1], and orphaned at a young age. Tekle studied art in London at Central School of Arts and Crafts. After this, he studied at the Faculty of Fine Arts of Florence University. He returned to Ethiopia and established a studio in Addis Ababa. His work includes murals, mosaics, and paintings. Among his most well-known works is the stained-glass window in the Africa Hall of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa. He also designed the stained-glass for the Holy Trinity Cathedral, also in Addis Ababa, which is said to be his burial place. Tekle's style combined traditional Ethiopian artistic elements with European modernism. He aimed to represent Ethiopian history and culture, and to celebrate African unity. He received numerous awards and honours for his contribution to Ethiopian art and culture.
• Why are Afewerk Tekle's works important today?+

  Afewerk Tekle (1932^[1]-2012^[1]) was one of Ethiopia^[1]'s most celebrated artists. Educated in Addis Ababa, then later in London and Paris, Tekle synthesised European artistic techniques with Ethiopian subject matter. His works are important because they represent a move towards new images for a changing society, in the spirit of post-colonial independence. Tekle's art embodies a rejection of the idea that there is any specific "African" style; instead, he forged his own individualistic path. Tekle's paintings and stained glass designs often depict Ethiopian history, culture, and religious themes. His work promotes pan-Africanism and Ethiopian unity. One example is his large-scale stained glass window in Africa Hall, Addis Ababa. He also designed the Organisation of African Unity's emblem. Tekle's artistic vision captured a sense of optimism and self-determination that remains relevant.