በይው ተቀየረ እንጂ ትሪው አልተነሳም

New Hands, Same Plate

Art Exhibition by Ashenafe Mestika

Artist Statement

My artistic exploration is rooted in a commitment to sharing the human stories behind forced migration, conflict, and war. I am driven by a deep concern for those whose lives have been affected—especially the children, who are often the most vulnerable and innocent victims, caught in the crossfire of false narratives and geopolitical struggles.

My current body of work explores themes of forced migration, resilience, trauma, and the pursuit of refuge. Through expressive imagery, symbolic elements, and a focused attention on both collective and individual experiences, the core of my work is an effort to honor and share the fragility and strength of children who endure heartbreaking loss and disruption. Their extraordinary resilience and enduring hope fuel my creative process.

For me, art is a tool for observation and reflection. It provides a space to examine the emotional and psychological impact of conflict, while also amplifying voices too often silenced. I aim to create a visual language that draws viewers into these stories, encouraging empathy, awareness, and deeper engagement with the realities of forced migration and survival.

This solo exhibition reflects my ongoing exploration of these urgent humanitarian issues. I hope that through this body of work, viewers are moved to reflect, to feel, and ultimately, to engage more deeply with the pressing social concerns of our time. My hope is that this work sparks not only conversation, but also compassion and action.

Artist Biography

Ashenafe Mestika (b. 1987 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) is a visual artist based in Ethiopia. He graduated from Addis Ababa University Alle School of Fine Art & Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting in 2020. In 2016, he also received a Certificate in Filmmaking, Photography, Videography, and Editing from the Master Fine Arts and Vocational Training Centre, and Entoto Polytechnic College, where he obtained a 10+3 Diploma in Fine Arts, specializing in painting. Ashenafe is primarily interested in painting, drawing, and photography to express his thoughts.

Ashenafe has participated in various exhibitions since 2010 and has had solo and group exhibitions in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Germany, and Dubai, UAE. Some of his notable solo shows include "አሟሟቴን አሳምርልኝ" ("Grant Me My Sovereign Death") at Fendika Cultural Centre, Addis Ababa, “Traces of a Moment” at Guramayne Art Centre, and “Strong Emotions and Expression” at Gallery TO. MO. CA. Other key exhibitions include the “HEXAGON” Group Art Exhibition at Laphto Art Gallery in Addis Ababa, group exhibitions at MILLERNTOR GALLERY #6 in Hamburg, Germany, and MILLERNTOR GALLERY #1 in Kampala, Uganda. He also exhibited in the group show “Triangular Relationship” at Red Door Art Gallery.

Additionally, he was featured in the “YOUNG VIGOR” exhibition at the Ethiopian Metropolitan Gallery in Addis Ababa, the “Waterin Ethiopia” photography exhibition at the Goethe-Institute, Addis Ababa, “Water in Ethiopia” at the Modern Art Museum - Gebre Kristos Desta Center, Addis Ababa, and the “Contemporary Ethiopia” exhibition at Quoz Arts Fest 2023, Akka Project in Dubai, UAE. His work was also featured in the "Contemporary Ethiopia" exhibition at Circle Art Gallery in Nairobi, Kenya, and at the National Museum of Unification in Alba Iulia, Romania.