I have a responsibility to show the world what it means to be Ethiopian, even though I'm by no means a patriot. I grew up there and I am indebted to show the positive side of Ethiopia. I've transmuted my emotions into the art. Turning iron into gold with shades of colors. Transferring the funk from the '80s while listening to gems like Getachew Kassa, Alemayehu Eshete, Roha Band, Hamelmal, Mahmud Ahmed, you name it.

 Although these songs were already filled with rich positive essence, my memories of Ethiopia were the soul of this alchemy. TIZITA or Nostalgia in Amharic. I remembered my joyful experiences hanging out with my close buddies, the deep talks and silly bantering, and the caring we had for each other. The times I fell in love and then the hate and the self-annihilation I had for the country. All these memories are a part of me. Whether I like it or not, Ethiopia has shaped me. A country that now has a shaky future with the current events. 

I want this art to be an idealized version of Ethiopia. An image to look up to. The vivacity, character & nuance. I want it to be a religious figure to worship, a symbol of hope, and a positive image to refocus. It's the lack of this clear perception of beauty that's causing tribalism and ethnic violence. Things get worse when leaders with their agenda stir shit up, blinding the followers from the unity in our differences. YES, THE UNITY IN OUR DIFFERENCES. We are all not the same, we have different backgrounds and different values to offer. That's what makes existence beautiful! 

It's in the hopes of this beauty I made this art. A therapeutic session that made me forgive some of my difficult past and a new ideal to look up to. I hope this brings clarity to those lost souls too.