Meseret Desta
Member
Painting
About the Artist
Meseret Desta is an Ethiopian-born artist known for her vibrant and inspiring artwork. She graduated with great distinction in mural art from Addis Ababa University Ale Fine Art and Design School, where she honed her exceptional talent. She has passionately created captivating pieces throughout her life, using rattling colors and intricate details to bring her visions to life.
In 2000, Meseret gained international recognition when she won the prestigious " Reasons to Love the Earth" art competition in the Netherlands. After the September 11 attacks, she relocated to the United States the following year, continuing to refine and expand her artistic journey. Her work reflects a deep emotional connection to nature, daily life, and cultural heritage. With vivid colors and masterful brushstrokes, she creates visually striking pieces that engage audiences profoundly. Her portrait work, in particular, stands out for its powerful expressions and detailed finishes, capturing the essence of her subjects with remarkable precision.
Committed to continuous learning, Meseret pursued further education in the U.S., earning an associate degree in visual communications from Gibbs College in 2003. Her dedication to her craft extends beyond her practice, and she shares her artistic passion with her two daughters, Hosanna (14 years old) and Galilee (12 years old). Both girls have inherited their mother’s love for art, and Meseret nurtures their creativity, spending quality time guiding and inspiring them. Through her skill and mentorship, she leaves a lasting impact on the world around her.
Artist Statement
Meseret Desta
Art is a visual language that transforms nature and emotions into a creative form. It is a divine gift, a medium through which I express the beauty of the universe and my deep connection to it. My art is an extension of my life experiences, inseparable from my existence. Living without creating art feels as impossible as living without oxygen.
When I paint, I often listen to classical music, which elevates my creative process and guides my brushstrokes. My artwork includes landscapes, figurative compositions, and abstract paintings, each reflecting different aspects of nature’s magnificence. Inspired by the beauty and mystery of the natural world, I celebrate color, form, and texture, meditating on the relationships between light, shadow, and atmosphere. Through my work, I explore the interplay between abstraction and representation, allowing emotions to shape my compositions.
Color plays a vital role in my paintings, creating depth and contrast that evoke a sense of movement and energy. The harmony of colors within my artwork mirrors the structure of musical compositions—blending tones to generate visual rhythm and balance. Cooler hues often emerge dynamically, lending a sense of depth and serenity to my pieces.
Passion and imagination fuel my creativity, enabling me to produce original and expressive works of the highest standard. I hope my art inspires others to reflect on their relationship with nature and consider their role in preserving its beauty for future generations. Through art, I aspire to evoke both admiration and awareness.