Artist Micheale Welday

Oil painting on Canvas

65 × 60 cm

Nebyat’s Story

“My name is Nebyat Seyoum. I am 12 years old and a 7th grader at Atse Yohannes School. I am from Humera but now reside in the Mekelle Clinic IDP Center. I am the second child in my family. My favorite foods are dulet and fish, and for fasting days, I love ሽሮ (shiro) , ገዓት (geat), potatoes, and more. My favorite color is pink, and my favorite game is jumping rope. More than anything, I wish to return home. ዓደይ ሑመራ ብሰላም ፅንሕኒ (May peace be upon you Humera).”

Art Statement

This painting depicts a child displaced from her hometown of Humera, Tigray, who has witnessed unimaginable horrors that no child should ever experience. Despite the trauma of her past, she clings to joyful memories of her family and community, where happiness once thrived. Her love for her hometown and culture remains unwavering. The child dreams of becoming a Tigrigna musician, a hope symbolized by the background filled with Ge'ez script and musical notes. Her smile represents the resilience and strength within her, reminding us of the power of hope and the desire to hold onto the beauty of the past while moving toward a brighter future. This artwork captures the deep emotions of loss, love, and aspiration.

Artist Biography

Micheale Welday (b. 1992, Mekelle, Ethiopia) is a painter and sculptor whose artistic journey began in 2013 at Tigray Art College. He later expanded his studies with a one-year program at Target in Addis Ababa. Mike has exhibited his work in numerous group exhibitions, including a 2011 showcase featuring various artists. In 2014, he participated in ሕብራዊ ንብዕት (Colorful Tears), an exhibition held in Mekelle and Axum. His work was also featured in the 2015 exhibition ዋሪ(Wari) in Mekelle. Over the years, he has continued to contribute to the art scene through various exhibitions and creative projects.