Bio

Alemayehu Darsema Desta is a contemporary Ethiopian artist who specializes in painting and sketching. He was born in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. He grew up in a family that encouraged his artistic talent and supported his education. He developed a passion for sketching at a young age and joined art clubs in his primary and secondary schools. He also attended summer courses on basic drawing skills at Medhanialem secondary school in 2002 and 2003, where he learned from professional artists and improved his techniques.

In 2009, he enrolled in Addis Ababa University, Alle School of Fine Arts and Design, one of the oldest and most prestigious art schools in Africa. He chose painting as his major and explored various styles and themes in his works. However, he faced a major challenge in his academic journey when he had to drop out due to a mental health issue. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia, a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Schizophrenia distorted his perception of reality and interfered with his daily functioning and social relationships. He used art as a way of coping and expressing his experiences, creating vivid and surreal paintings that reflected his inner world.

After receiving treatment, he resumed his studies and graduated with a BFA degree in painting with distinction from the same school in 2019. His academic excellence and artistic achievements earned him several awards and recognitions. He participated in various exhibitions and workshops and sold his paintings to private collectors and public institutions.

He has also worked as an art therapist at Sitota Center for Mental Health Care, both as a volunteer and as a paid staff, for a total of six years. He used his skills and experience to help other people with mental health issues to express themselves through art and to improve their well-being. He also explored the effects of art therapy on the recovery journey of people with schizophrenia and discovered that art therapy helped them express their inner thoughts, cope with the symptoms of psychosis, and improve their social skills. He shared his results with his colleagues in the field of mental health care, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and practice.

Currently, he is a studio artist and an assistant lecturer in Jimma University Department of Visual Arts, where he teaches courses on painting, drawing, and art history. He also continues to create his own artworks, experimenting with different media and techniques. He is inspired by his culture, his environment, and his personal experiences. He aims to raise awareness and reduce stigma about mental health issues through his art. He is also involved in various social and environmental causes, such as promoting peace, justice, and sustainability.