Artist Gezae Fitiwi

Oil painting on Canvas

65 × 60 cm

Yohannes’s Story

“My name is Yohannes Berhanu, and I am 11 years old. I am from Humera and now reside in the Mekelle Clinic IDP Center. I am the third child in my family. I am a 6th grader at Atse Yohannes School, and my favorite subject is English. What I want most is to return to my hometown, Humera, because I love it there.”

Art Statement

This painting captures the emotional duality of a young boy, torn between hope and confusion. His face reflects the inner conflict, with his eyes gazing into the distance, revealing a hidden truth filled with unanswered questions and a deep longing for home. The artwork contrasts the boy’s dreams with his harsh reality—on one side, his aspirations are full of brightness and potential, symbolizing a future filled with possibility. On the other side, the surrounding environment speaks of conflict and sorrow, a stark reminder of the pain and displacement he faces. The painting highlights the contradiction between the boy's dreams of a better future and the difficult present, embodying the universal human experience of holding on to hope amidst uncertainty and hardship.

Artist Biography

Gezae Fitwi is an artist and musician born in 1981. He studied at the Tigray School of Fine Arts, earning an advanced diploma. His work, deeply inspired by women's experiences, particularly mothers' suffering, has been showcased in both solo and group exhibitions, including Melano Hotel (2003), Axum Hotel (2006), Hatsey Yohannes Hotel (2009, 2015), and Hawelti (2013–2014). Now a full-time studio artist and musician, Gezae continues to explore social themes through his art, using creative expression to highlight resilience and human emotion.