Leya Admasu
Marketing/Social Media Director
Painting
About the Artist
Leya Zerihun Admasu is an Ethiopian American multi-media cultural pattern artist based in Denver, Colorado. Her work captures the impacts of cultural differences and explores themes of diversity by layering personal, social, and historical experiences into her creations. Through vibrant, textured compositions, she tells stories that connect heritage with contemporary narratives.
Born and raised in Ethiopia, Leya moved to Denver in 2015 to pursue her education. She earned a degree in Graphic and Web Design before completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Practices from the University of Colorado Denver, focusing on painting and drawing. Since 2017, her art has been exhibited in spaces such as the QIAF International Art Show, Italy International Art Show, Global Village Studios, and Redline Contemporary Art Center, as well as in many international exhibitions.Before joining Downtown Aurora Visual Arts (DAVA), Leya worked as an art teacher for three years, sharing her passion for art and culture through creative education. She now serves as the Admin, Communications, and Outreach Manager at DAVA, where she helps build community connections and support young artists.
She is also a board member of Artists Ashara, a collective that empowers Ethiopian diaspora artists through exhibitions, grants, and mentorship. In addition to her professional work, Leya actively volunteers and donates many of her works to charity fundraising events.Leya has been recognized for her leadership, artistic contributions, and academic achievements. She has received multiple Scholastic and writing awards, along with scholarships such as the Dream Scholarship, COSI, and Student Success Awards. Additionally, she has been honored with the Denver Art Society Emerging Artist Award and the Community Impact Award for her dedication to cultural engagement. As a former President of the African Students Union Club at CCA, she was also recognized for her commitment to student leadership and cultural advocacy.“Culture and art are the threads that weave together our identities, stories, and connections to the world.”
Artist Statement
Leya Admasu
As an Ethiopian immigrant in the United States, my art explores the intersection of my cultural identity and my experiences of migration. Through patterns and symbols rooted in Ethiopian traditions, I express the complexities of adapting to a new environment while holding onto my heritage. These patterns represent both the familiar and the unfamiliar, bridging my past and present.
My paintings reflect the emotions of longing, displacement, and the process of reconciling two cultures. The geometric designs, inspired by Ethiopian art, evoke memories of home family, rituals, and the everyday objects that shaped my upbringing. They remind me of the comfort found in my roots, even as I navigate a new life.
Through color and pattern, I invite viewers to reflect on their own cultural identities and the universal experience of adaptation. My work celebrates the importance of understanding cultural differences and the journey of finding belonging in a world of constant change.