Esubalew Lemeneh
Member
Painting
About the Artist
Esubalew Lemeneh is a self-taught visual artist, Amharic poet, and author. Born and raised in Ethiopia, he discovered his love for painting and drawing at a young age. He learned through practice, observation, and deep passion without formal art training. Now living in the United States, he continues to create and explore new inspirations.
Esubalew is best known for his black-and-white paintings, which often feature religious figures and cultural themes from Ethiopia. His work captures the depth of emotion, spirituality, and tradition, telling stories through strong contrasts and expressive details. He mainly works with acrylic paint, using light and shadow to bring his subjects to life.
Painting gives Esubalew peace and a way to connect with the world's beauty. His art reflects his Ethiopian heritage while growing up with his experiences in a new country. Along with painting, he writes poetry that expresses feelings of identity, faith, and the human journey.
For Esubalew, art is more than just a skill. It is a way to share stories, honor tradition, and find meaning in everyday life. Through his paintings and words, he hopes to inspire others and keep the spirit of his culture alive.
Artist Statement
Esubalew Lemeneh
For me, art is more than just painting, it is a way to express my faith, culture, and emotions. It helps me connect with my roots and share stories that words cannot fully explain. I am especially inspired by Ethiopian traditions and religious figures, as they show strength, devotion, and a deep sense of spirituality.
I mainly use black and white in my paintings because I believe contrast creates powerful emotions. Light and shadow, struggle and hope, past and present, all of these come together in my work. As a self-taught artist, I did not learn from school but from years of practice, observation, and passion. Painting gives me peace and helps me see the beauty in simple things.
What motivates me is the way art brings people together, keeps history alive, and makes people think. I want my paintings to remind people of their culture, their beliefs, and the beauty of faith. Now living in the United States, I continue to paint with the same purpose to share stories, honor my heritage, and create meaningful art. Through my work, I hope to inspire others and keep the spirit of my culture strong.