The following is an excerpt from a short introductory article written in 1985 on the occasion of Zerihun Yetmgeta's 10th one-person show. It was first printed in part on the invitation distributed by The German Cultural Institute, Addis Ababa. Courtshipmixed media on bamboo strips 100 x 55 cm Zerihun YetmgetaI am fortunate enough to have observed not only the success and astonishing creative achievements of artist Zerihun Yetmgeta, who is now considered to be one of the major symbols of modern art in Ethiopia, but also to be able to introduce Zerihun, the man, my long time friend. Zerihun, is a well-built man with a gray mustache and beard that points decidedly downward, an anxious face, and a feverish watchful eye. Looking at him, one may say he is born artist. Zerihun's temperament and outlook are fundamentally Ethiopian. He loves his profession, his family, and his art students who constantly need his care and advice. His simplicity and frank character allows him to share his passion with people of all ages or social standing. Zerihun is the type of artist who creates a comfortable atmosphere and entertains everybody at a party or social gathering. It is not surprising to see him in downtown Addis exchanging warm greetings with officials or diplomats, businessmen or football players, comedians or authors. Popular as he is among his fellow citizens and foreigners alike, he is independent and proud of his achievements and has always worked as his own master. Always true to himself and his inspirat ion, he systematically arranges his creative moments in order to produce the many works shown at his annual exhibitions and to finish private or governmental commissions. These aspects of Zerihun represent an iota of a facile mind and do not sufficiently explain his phenomena. The best key, and the only useful guide to understanding him, is still within his art. Although the dilettante who is dazzled and fascinated by his annual exhibitions is eager to know and read more about him, I found it very hard to introduce in this very short commentary this inexhaustible astonishing creative person, dedicated art teacher, and devoted father. However as I try to explain his unfathomable works, I hope the curious reader might come to know something
