The Abyssinians were civilized people in all aspects, before modern civilization surfaced. We inherited many valuable things such as art, crafts and statues and there are many ancient buildings, forts and castles. The Abyssinians regarded art as a sacred occupation. Therefore it is not surprising to find painted and curved church walls and pillars in the style of art known as Byzantine art. Many churches in Abyssinia are the pride of Abyssinians, and many artists who come from there, are rooted in that culture and historical background which is reflected in their paintings.. Therefore, my role as a painter is to transfer these images of old paintings into the present time. Abyssinians are the only people in Africa who have maintained their own alphabetical and numerical order up to the present time. And we, artists of Abyssinian origin, have maintained our own artistic symbols, inherited from the walls of the churches, rocks and caves, left by our forefathers. These artistic symbols of course have been one way of expression reflecting their day-to-day lives. I for one use those symbols in my art works as an expression of cultural heritage and reflecting the historical background of our ancestors.
My art works as a mirror of old days reflecting our modern time. Although in my paintings one will discover some touches from contemporary art, which is the heritage of the lessons of great artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Rembrandt, Abyssinian art symbols still remain the background to convey my message to the world.
What is the role of the artist in society?
I, of course found that the role of an artist has always been through his /her work to pass on a message, of what is happening in day- to- day life of the people of our own community and their surroundings, to express personal feelings, to exhibit cultural heritage, and one’s own talent, as well as entertaining, decorating both body and soul. This expression varies in different conditions and situations, may it be happiness, sorrow, love, dispute .etc …
As I have mentioned previously I see my role as to present an expression of my feelings and observation of the events taking place around our own community and other parts of the world. Personally as an artist my role is to maintain and sustain our cultural heritage and historical background by mixing ancient Abyssinian symbols and modern ones. I see art as a factor in cultural exchanges which doesn’t know colour lines, ethnical, religious or language barriers, or any differences that can form an hindrance to bring people together.
I, as an artist, regard myself as a fighter who fights for peace in my yard and outside. My gun is a brush and the colours are my bullets and the paper or canvas is my battleground. My preoccupation is to create solution by peace and love and not confusion. I believe great power is great responsibility. Therefore, through my art pieces I tell people and the leaders of the world that they should use power to govern in a peaceful way, with comfort, and sense of humour, rather than misusing the power for personal ego, greed and irresponsibity to others. I also believe my work is to record day-to-day life of people and in the long run to become an archive for future generation’s heritage.
Evidently the pride of great Abyssinia has dramatically disappeared through experiences of divisions, conflicts, bloody wars, and what prevails today is disparity, ignorance and disrespect, in spite of the greatness of Abyssinia, the land of Queen Sheba, the land of great kings. Therefore, through my art I task myself to bring hope, love and understanding, turning it into a bridge linking people together, regardless of their colour background or language barriers, to bring the rivals together, rich and poor, old and young, women and men to share love and happiness, which is what every human being needs.
My philosophy is contemporary Pan-Africanism, born out of the ancient Pan-Africanism philosophy with the aim of bringing the people together. Emulating the past, by realising love, peace and harmony to create understanding and tolerance, turning out our Earth a peaceful place to live. In my art works I substantially try to demonstrate my quest for peace by making the surfaces of my paintings look cool and quiet , rather than shouting and striking.
My motto is
“To create peace, be peaceful yourself first”
Yosief Indrias.
Rebel Painter.
