Art in all its forms has a power to convey a message. In a country like Ethiopia where different Nation Nationalities and Peoples live in harmony, art has a significant role in bringing people into one point. Lately, a group of students have finalized their visual art training at Alem Art Center. In which several youth have reflected their feeling and interest in a visual form.
Kerealem Shemeles, is 30 years old. I met him drawing at Alem Art Center. For him, art has a power in bringing people with different culture and identity together. According to him, despite all our value systems towards peace and unity, there are also times where we fight each other.
But, the concept of Ethiopiansim is so strong that we have overrun those times. For Keralem, Ethiopia s a strong nation that surrounded by a strong storm. But it never gave its hands to those destructive forces. No matter how hard the situations are, Ethiopia and Ethiopiansim are always strong and willing to pay the sacrifice.
In his painting, a bird is flying between strong storms. This bird has held Ethiopian flag. Despite the storm that surrounded the bird, it is flying with courage. According to Kerealem, the bird symbolizes Ethiopia. Notwithstanding all her challenges, the Nation is still flying and high and a bright future is waiting the country and the people.
Yetefachew Mushra (the lost bridegroom) is the other paintings drawn by 14 years old child. This painting is drawn based on the tales he heard the story from his parents. This girl is the victim of the traditional early marriage. She was forced to marry someone whom she did not know or love him. For that reason, she was forced to run away.
For the young Artist Hana Amdework, Alem Art Gallery is like a haven where she can get refreshment and, a place where she can meet people from different walks of life. Hanna believes that Art has a power to relive a person with stressed mid. For a young people in her age, art is also a medicine to set oneself free from all forms of depression.
Concerning to her mentor Artist Alem Getachew, Hanna said, “Over the past 5 years I have had the utmost pleasure of getting to know the most delightful person I had ever met. Beside her commitment to art and her students, her radiance had put a smile on my face the moment I had encountered her; while the rest of her identity was eagerly waiting for me to get to know.”
Alem Getachew, is the visionary founder of Alem Art Center. She believes that art in all its forms has a strong power to settle down divergent interests. It is a language to communicate them. According to her, those children who had been attending the summer class have shown her the power of painting in appreciating the culture of others and expressing their internal feelings.
She said: “Most of us think that children are not interested in political issues. But, directly or indirectly they are concerned about their country. For instance, a certain five years old boy has represented Ethio- Ertrean relationships symbolizing a cartoon which he knows very well.
According to Alem, art and society are the two sides of a single coin. Man had been using art to show his interest and value systems. In the remote past, the cave dwellers had been using painting to express themselves and their way of style. This trend is still strong.
Beside, acquiring basic knowledge about painting the summer training has also key role for the children and the youths to use their time properly, says Alem. “It will keep them busy from spending time unwisely and become addicted for harmful practices.
Nurturing children and youth should not be left only to the government or NGOs. It is the duty of every individual. We all have the responsibility to provide them an opportunity to express themselves. Art is one means. I am using my talent to produce responsible citizen.”
If properly used and managed, art has a power to produce responsible citizens who truly care for their nation. It enables them to see the world in different directions, to love and respect the values of others.
Concerning early age art training, Alem said, if children are given an opportunity to study art at early age they can be a good inventors. It enables them to be focused and correct their mistakes in easy way and see things from different directions. What is more, if there is talent, courage and commitment, Art is another way of earning a living.
The Ethiopian Herald October 2, 2019
BY LEULSEGED WORKU
