Tesfalem Atenaw
Tesfalem Atenaw is an Eritrean artist based in Asmara, whose work explores the metaphysical aspects of human experience. Through vibrant colors and symbolic imagery, he delves into profound themes such as identity, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of all things. His paintings, often featuring surreal, dreamlike figures and abstract forms, invite viewers to contemplate deeper meanings and explore the complexities of the human condition.
For over two decades, Tesfalem has exhibited his art both nationally and internationally, including in Italy, Ecuador, Mexico, and Romania. His works are part of prestigious collections around the world, from museums in Eritrea to private collections in the U.S., Europe, and beyond. Tesfalem finds deep satisfaction in knowing that his art resonates with people from diverse backgrounds, offering them a chance to engage with his exploration of existence and reality.
In addition to his artistic achievements, Tesfalem is passionate about nurturing creativity in others. He has dedicated himself to teaching art to students, including those with disabilities, at the Satreb Art Institute in Asmara. His commitment to fostering artistic expression in others, coupled with the recognition he has received, motivates him to continue creating art that connects with people on a profound and universal level. Through his art, Tesfalem seeks to elevate personal experiences into shared reflections on life, continually striving to use his work as a bridge between himself and the world.
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2019 Allegory of awareness, The Gallery, Asmara, Eritrea 2010 Diary of coffee, Alliance France, Asmara, Eritrea 2009 Peace and love, The Gallery, Asmara, Eritrea
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2024. 2023. 2022.2021. 2020. 2018. 2015. 2014. 2012. 2011. 2010.
"Consorcio universal de la ciencia y Las Bellas artes" México "MARATONA INTERNAZIONALE D'ARTE" Varese Italy
"No more" Modern art museum Gebrekirstos Desta center "INTERNATIONAL MARATHON OF CONTEMPORARY ART", Milano, Italy "Tourism day", Asmara Palace, Eritrea
"INTI AMARU DELE ECUADOR ", Quito Ecuador
"Unspoken Thoughts", Casa Degli Italian, Asmara, Eritrea "From cat walk to canvas”, Asmara palace, Asmara, Eritrea "Sketch from life", The Gallery, Asmara, Eritrea
"I have a dream", (Martin Luther king Jr), Asmara, Eritrea "Eritrean contemporary artist", The Gallery, Asmara, Eritrea "unity", The Gallery, Asmara, Eritrea
"Asmara by the eye of artists", The Gallery, Asmara, Eritrea
"Frame of my Journey", Alliance Française, Asmara, Eritrea "Six upcoming artists", The Gallery, Asmara, Eritrea
2009 "Print Making", The Gallery, Asmara, Eritrea
2009 "With and Without Brushes", the Gallery, Asmara, Eritrea 2007 "Asmara", The Gallery, Asmara, Eritrea
2006 "The eye of six artists", The Gallery, Asmara Eritrea
SPECIAL PROJECTS/ PUBLIC ART
2019 project of engraving exhibition "Reconciliation" organized as part of the Commemoration of the centenary of the end of the World War I
CURATORIAL PROJECTS
July 2019 art exhibition for Martyr artist Alazar Eyob
AWARDS AND GRANTS
2014 First Prize, “No one is left behind” organized, European Union. 2013 First prize, “Dream therefore I am” organized, European Union. 2012 Certificate award, For Great contribution as an art instructor at Satreb Art Institute, Asmara, Eritrea
2004 First prize, Red Cross and ICRC competition. 2004 First prize, N.U.E.Y.S, Eritrean Book Fair
BIBLIOGRAPHY
2019 Abraham Zerie “Unfinished finished painting" (Hadas Eritrea) Vol 28 18 July 2019 pp 6 2018 Senait Feseha “The Asmarino coffee artist” the Reporter Vol. 23 10 November 2018 2017 Asmait Futsumbrhan "Feeling on Canvas" Eritrea Profile Vol. 24 October 2017 No 66 pp 8 2017 N.U.E.Y.S "Guest of Sunday" New Eritrea (Hadas Eritrea) vol.27 October 2016 No 50 pp 3 2013 Luciano Benetton “Eritrea/freedom is an art” page.100-101
2011 Yosief Abraham "Package of women Beauties in the eyes of prolific painters" Eritrea Profile 16th March 2011 pp 7
2009 Tedros Abraham "Love and life" painting of light and shadow, Eritrea Profile March 2009 pp 7
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2019 Teaching for students of National association of intellectual developmental Disability of Eritrea
2017 Teaching for students of Eritrean National Association of the deaf, Asmara, Eritrea 2010 Until present Teaching art course for beginers at Satreb Art Institute Asmara, Eritrea 2009 Teaching the Summer Art Workshop at Semaetat High school sponsored by U.S. Embassy Asmara, Eritrea and PCHA
COLLECTIONS
Museum, Asmara, Eritrea
Embassy America, Asmara, Eritrea
Embassy Italy, Asmara, Eritrea
Embassy France, Asmara, Eritrea
Privet collections, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Italy, Canada, America, Sweden, United States Of America