Recently there have been different art exhibitions by young Eritreans in the city of Asmara. These artists have made tremendous efforts to take the step they have taken with confidence and courage.  In a way it can be said that they are exposing their talents as well as themselves as promising artists with the potential of doing much more.

Art is all things. It has been defined a lot of times by various artists that there is no single particular definition for art. One thing remains common, however. An artist has to be intelligent in many ways to be able to appreciate and reflect the artistic combination of colors and forms. For an artist with such creative features, art becomes the most vital form of media in reflecting the inner source of upliftment that the artist experiences in his or her world of colors.

As already mentioned, six young artists staged an exhibition recently. The first two, Luwam Araya and Mebrahtu Kiros, displayed their works of pottery and painting at the Hotel Intercontinental Asmara on 31 March 2005 with the sponsorship of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China, National Insurance Corporation, Alliance Francaise, British Council and individuals. Both artists, 21 and 24 years of age respectively, joined the Asmara Mai Tesfa School of Ceramics in the hope of becoming professionals in their chosen field of art. "I joined the school to become a painter but instead chose to study pottery," said Luwam smiling. She is interested in making deformed figures because she believes there is nothing perfect in the world we live in. That may be so, but her works of art presented at the exhibition shows that she is gifted and creative. Such love for one's work is clearly reflected in the outcome. Many, both locals and foreigners, were amazed and interested in her work and have given her encouraging comments and promises of support. Luwam's co-exhibitor, Mebrahtu Kiros, also comes from the same school of ceramics. He first joined in the hope of becoming an artist but ended up studying ceramics. He has tried his hand in painting which was displayed at the exhibition. But more attractive were the various displays of pots, vases, candle cases, lamps and others.

Both Luwam and Mebrahtu would like to do more in their respective fields of study, with Luwam opting for a scholarship and Mebrahtu for further study in porcelain art.

While we are still on the works of young artists, similar yet different version of art was also displayed for the public on 18 April at The Gallery in Asmara. These are the works of four young and promising artists that were based on social, cultural and historical aspects of Eritrea with a vision to do more in the future. It was the first exhibition for the three of them, namely Johnny Hisabu, Isaias Sereke, Yosef Gebremariam and Michael Neguse with the exception of the latter who had the opportunity to exhibit his works for the public previously. 

Born and raised in Addis Ababa, the 32 year old Johnny graduated from the Addis Ababa School of Arts with a certificate in 1999 and later joined the Asmara Fine Arts School for further studies and got a diploma in 2001. "To me art is beauty," said Johnny flicking his hands to express his feelings, "it is something you see with your eyes and be able to savor the taste."  He displayed works of sculpture and painting in which, he said, "sometimes in the art media what you can not describe in painting you can do so with sculpture or the other way round." His gift for making something out of simple materials makes him unique in a way because he describes his innermost using his hands, his ideas and things he finds as instruments for expressing his feelings. "Art is a means of expressing one's feeling which can be shared with others, and an artist is the hand/mouth of those who can not express it," he emphasized. Asked what his future plan is, Johnny said: "I want to continue with my artwork pleasing myself and being able to reflect that using my art skills."

The other promising artist is Isaias Sereke. The 24 year old Addis-born and raised artist joined the Addis Ababa School of Arts and graduated with a diploma. He later joined the Asmara School of Arts in 1999 and again graduated yet again with a diploma in 2001.  He shares the same point of view with Johnny regarding the meaning of art and describes it as something that is to be worshiped. "To me art is admiring nature, and admiring natural things is a form of worship itself, and I have been using it since my childhood," he said. He is happy that his dream of hosting an exhibition one day has at last become a reality. "It is not about selling some pictures and making money but it is more in what I can do and receive out of it," says Isaias with an intense look on his face. The works that he displayed are a few paintings and some rough sketches with plans to do more, and hopes his works pass through learning.   

The third member of the group is Michael Negusse. He also joined the Asmara Fine Arts School and graduated with a diploma in 2001. He had staged four different group exhibitions previously that were based on realistic art, this being his fifth. His paintings and sculpture were based on modern art. The 31 year old Michael defines art as follows: "For me art is beauty that makes one see things in a broader vision , study the inner secret of a particular thing and be able to put it on canvas for others who are not able to see", said Michael.

Last but not least, is Yosef Gebremariam who has a different view of what art means to him. He says: "I have not yet found words to describe what art is, as it encompasses a lot of things." The 29 year old artist, who has similar educational background as the others, used to do graphic-related works before he started doing paintings. He said, "Painting enables one to express the inner feelings," he explained.

A lot is awaiting these artists in the future. Art is not yet much known nor sufficiently appreciated in Eritrea. The perception and knowledge of art is not common. As such, young artists as the ones above mentioned, have to play due role in its popularization and awareness creation in the society. The artists stressed that art should be taught to small children by giving importance to it alongside academic teachings, as it is in such age that one discovers his/her chosen path of professions. Parents should also encourage and support their children in what they aspire to become.

The said artists would like to extend their appreciation to the British Council, Alliance Francaise, and to Weini and Bisrat Desale, owners of The Gallery for all their help and support.

Wishing all six success and goodwill, we hope their works of art will continue to dazzle all those who witness the traces of their brush.