Artist Tekeste Welay

Oil painting on Canvas

65 × 60 cm

Yohannes’s Story

“My name is Yohannes Legesse, and I am 15 years old. I am from Humera but now reside in the Mekelle Health IDP Center. I go to Atse Yohannes School and am in 9th grade. My favorite sport is football. I am the youngest of seven in my family, and my favorite food is shiro. I want to become a football player when I grow up. I dream of returning home to play with my friends and growing up to have better opportunities in life.”

Art Statement

This painting captures the deep hope of a child displaced by war, longing for the return of a life filled with freedom and happiness. The images behind the child symbolize his dreams, his wish to become a football player and to give back to others through charity work as he grows. The true smile of the boy reflects the resilience and hope shared by all displaced people of Tigray, who face immense hardships. It embodies the belief that despite the challenges, they will return to their homes and transition into a future of peace and development. Through this piece, I aim to convey the undying spirit of optimism, the strength of dreams, and the collective yearning for a peaceful, prosperous tomorrow, highlighting the human capacity for hope even in the darkest of times.

Artist Biography

Tekeste Welay Girmay is an artist and educator specializing in printmaking and visual communication. Born on May 31, 1990, in Werkamba, Tigray, he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Alle School of Fine Art and Design, Addis Ababa University. Currently an assistant lecturer at Mekelle University’s Visual Arts Department, Tekeste has exhibited his work in prestigious venues such as Sheraton Luxury Hotel, Konso Cultural Center, and Millennium Hall. He actively participates in art-based training and workshops and runs a small studio where he experiments with diverse artistic media.