Eskista

About two years ago, I drew a piece titled "Black Youth" meant to carve out a picture of growth and love for Black children who will pave the way to a future for our communities, inspired by a Ethiopian proverb that children are "flowers that bear tomorrow's seeds." Now, I return to that theme with subjects older, having planted their seeds, nurturing love and community with each other. A dove carrying an olive branch further symbolizes hope and prosperity, as a reference to the biblical Noah's Ark from the Old Testament.

“Black Youth” was painted during the height of ethnic violence towards Tigrayans during the Tigray War. The Ethiopian context creates a vision for a country that does not punish ethnic groups for the sake of political power. As the Tigray War came to a close, war in the neighboring Amhara region broke out and continues to impact Amhara communities. This piece attempts to honor both Tigray and Amhara communities, who continue to exhibit bravery in the face of cruelty, and create a vision of community and solidarity. The eskista dance originates from the Amhara region, but is widely practiced in both Tigray and Amhara. The girl on the right wears her hair in a traditional Tigray braiding pattern.