Education

1966-1971Diploma; Fine Arts School, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
1973-1977M.F.A.; Howard University, Washington D.C.

Experience & Exhibitions

1970s to Mid-80s

1972 moves to Washington D.C. from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Learned, worked and exhibited along-side well renowned artists such as:

  • Sam Gilliam
  • Jeff Donaldson (Afro Cobra), Frank Smith (Afro Cobra), Lewis Mel Jones, Eskinder Bogosiane (Afro Cobra), Ed Love at Howard University.

Exhibited works at the following institutions as a student and Washington D.C. resident:

  • Maryland University
  • Howard University
  • Morgan State University
  • Washington D.C. Mayor's office
  • Library of Congress
  • Department of Education.

Shared artistic talent, education and experience through:

  • Smithsonian Institute – Exhibition Assitant
  • D.C. Art – Muralist
  • Art Display – Graphic Artist & Decorator
  • Museum of African Art (Washington D.C.) – Muralist
  • Washington D.C. School System – Art Lecturer.

1985 – Present

1985 begins residence in New York City

Professional experience highlights:

  • Graphic Artist and Master Print Maker; Bob Blackburn Print Shop
  • Member of Studio In The School
  • Lectures in public school through Harborview.

Exhibition highlights include:

  • Exhibits with artists like Romare Bearden, Jacob Lorenz and Mohammed Khalil,
  • Exhibited at museums and galleries such as Guggenheim Museum (NY), United Nations (NY), Schonburg Center (NY), Vermont College Art Center (VA), T.W. Wood Art Gallery, (NY).

Represented by:

  • Skoto Gallery, New York
  • Contemporary African Art Gallery, New York

  • Library of Congress, Washington D.C.
  • Smithsonian Institute, Washington D.C.
  • Schomburg Center, NY
  • Howard University, Washington D.C.
  • Maryland University, MD

International experience includes:

  • Extensive international travel in Europe, Asia, and Africa
  • Exhibited and lectured in Paris, Berlin and Cairo.

Tesfaye

Tessema

Painter. Print Maker. Muralist.

Tesfaye TessemaAbout

Painter. Print Maker. Muralist.

I was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and studied at the School of Fine Arts before leaving for the United States in the early 1970s.

I obtained an MFA in Fine Art at Howard University, Washington DC, where I was exposed to the richness and diversity of the art of Africa, especially the classical art of West Africa where myth, metaphors and legend abound.

My travels in the Middle East, Europe, Africa and South America over the years have further broadened my perspectives on the commonality in socio-religious forms among various cultures.

I have been included in numerous international surveys including "Project Rolywholyobei - Circus from the Museum by John Cage", 1994, Guggeinheim Museum, New York and Radford University Art Museum, Radford, Va, 2008. My work is in several public and private collections.

Curriculum Vitae

Featured WorksPortfolio

Get in TouchContact

Please fill out the form on this section to connect with me. Or call me between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday

All fields are required to send your message.
Send Message