Abeselom Tarekegn Anser is a multidisciplinary artist based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. His work spans various media, including acrylic paint, collage, oil pastels, and found objects, through which he explores expressive ideas. Drawing inspiration from traditional Ethiopian art, he fuses these influences with neo-expressionism to create powerful, contemporary pieces.

His art addresses the complexities of the modern world, reflecting on historical narratives, heroic individuals, and the enduring quest for freedom. Through his innovative approach, Abeselom bridges the past and present, using his unique artistic voice to engage with both personal and societal themes.

Modern

I was inspired to make this piece from one of Tilahun Gessesse’s music titled “Andand Negeroch.”
I worked with acrylic and then used a metallic gold on the mic and final touches with oil pastels.

Endurance

I got inspired when we got only one gold medal this Olympic
I worked with acrylic paint and metallic gold on the medals and added a finishing touch with oil pastels.

The Man with Masinqo

It was in a taxi; the radio was on, and I was listening to his interview. He was the first musician to have his music recorded on cassette in Ethiopia. Then I dedicate this piece
I used acrylic and a finishing touch with oil pastels.

Antique

A revolutionary poet who had a great impact on music listening to his poems and biography changed my perspective on being an artist.
I used acrylic and oil pastels.

The change

The changes happening around me were a bit challenging; changing studios and the distraction of my neighborhood and separation of my family due to the distraction decided to make this piece for metallic purposes.
I used scrap wall material from the distraction and glued it on the canvas while painting it with acrylic paint and sewing the house number of my neighborhood using the materials from the distraction and adding final touches with oil pastels.

The Spirits of Africa

This series is about African spirituality, which was made when Abeselom was researching African masks.
He used a “Gabi” as a base and made a canvas and painted on it with acrylic and sewed some of the Gabi pattern and thorn parts and added oil pastels as a final touch.