Beschreibung:

Afewerk TekleEthiopian1932-2012Study of a Peasant (Aspect of Ethiopia No. 2)
signed and dated 1968 (upper right)mixed media on paper45.5 by 37.5cm., 17⅞ by 14¾in.Condition reportFor further information on the condition of this lot please contact elikem.logan@sothebys.com ProvenanceCernyw Kenneth Kline (1922-2019), acquired directly from the artist, Addis Ababa 1968Catalogue noteAfewek Tekle is remembered as one of Ethiopia’s most renowned artists. Born in 1932 in Shewa Province, Ethiopia, he grew up during the Second World War in Italian occupied Ethiopia. These experiences of his childhood greatly influenced Tekle’s later life and his eventual decision to travel abroad to the United Kingdom to further his education. Tekle left Ethiopia in 1947 to study mining engineering with the intention of returning to aid in the reconstruction of his home country. However, once in England, Afewerk Tekle’s skill and artistic talent was recognised and he eventually transferred to Central School of Arts and Crafts in London, later to move on to Slade School of Art. Tekle returned to Ethiopia and had his first exhibition in Addis Ababa in 1954.
After returning to Ethiopia, the artist began to travel around the surrounding areas of his homeland, which was evident in the work he was creating. It was back in Europe that Tekle expanded his artistic methods, using stained glass and studying ancient manuscripts from Ethiopia. These skills were put to good use in later years. His murals and mosaics in the Saint George Cathedral are renowned and he went on to design the stained glass window for the Africa Hall of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa. He was recognized by many international awards, and, in 1964, was the first winner of the HaileSelassie I Prize for Fine Arts. In 1981 Afewek Tekle's self-portrait was the first African work to be displayed in the Uffizi Collection.