Mekbib Gebertsadik
Vice President
Painting
About the Artist
Mekbib Wodajo Gebertsadik was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, home to the African Union’s headquarters. At a young age, he moved with his parents to Dessie, Wollo province, where he grew up. His passion for art emerged early, and he began drawing as soon as he could hold a pencil. His mother, recognizing his talent, encouraged him by providing art materials and enrolling him in an after-school art center during elementary and high school.
In 1990, he joined the Addis Ababa Fine Art School, fulfilling his mother’s dream of seeing him become an artist. After five years of dedicated study, he graduated in 1994 with a degree in painting.
Seeking new opportunities, Mekbib moved to the United States in September 2001. In 2002, he enrolled at Gibbs College, studying visual communication with a focus on graphic design. His artistic journey continued at Howard University, where he pursued a Master of Fine Arts degree in 2007.
Today, Mekbib is a respected art professor at Howard University, teaching scenic painting, basic drawing, and painting in the theatrical arts department. He is also a founder and vice president of the Artists Ashara organization. He resides in Virginia and is a proud father to his two daughters, Hosanna and Galilee.
Artist Statement
Mekbib Gebertsadik
Art is a powerful visual language that transcends boundaries, fostering deep connections among people. I aim to communicate emotions, history, social realities, culture, and personal perspectives through my work, creating a dialogue beyond words.
My recent practice embraces the organic forces of nature, such as air, gravity, and water, as essential tools in my creative process. This approach allows me to merge natural elements with artistic expression, leading to art syntheses. The tree is central to my artwork, symbolizing growth and restoring life. By engaging with these elements, my work captures the tangible and intangible forces shaping our existence for the future.
Beyond nature, I explore the rich human history, culture, and social life, exploring themes that define our collective identity. My art serves as a means to navigate these narratives, untold enough stories, and challenging topics. Through each piece, I struggle to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and inspire awareness, encouraging viewers to reflect on their experiences and the world around them. My artistic journey bridges the past, present, and future, fosters understanding, and ignites meaningful conversations.