Ethiopian artist Teasfay Atcbekha Negga: Russia and Ethiopia need cultural exchanges

Russia and Ethiopia need to strengthen their cultural ties through scholarships, student exchanges, and joint exhibitions. This was stated by Ethiopian artist Teasfay Atcbekha Negga in an interview with "Za Rubezhom", a partner of TV BRICS.

Teasfay has lived in St. Petersburg for many years, where he is engaged in teaching.

"I help my compatriots to understand Russia, and Russians to see the real Ethiopia. Of course, the countries are different, but our connections are not superficial; they are internal, soulful," he noted.

According to him, in order to deepen cultural cooperation between the countries, it is necessary to use the “Ethiopian code,” the mindset of people who were educated in Russia and have maintained a deep connection with its language, culture, and values.

"They are 'soft power.' It is a treasure for Russia. You can’t imagine how many Ethiopian students dream of coming here," the artist added.

Teasfay also shared his memories of taking part in a major project to restore the frescoes of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow in 1999. According to him, working on this landmark site became a true professional challenge. The artist had to recreate images in life-size, conveying the character and mood. Despite all the difficulties, all the sketches presented by Teasfay were approved by the artistic committee.

He also reflected on the significance of Aleksander Pushkin for Africans. According to Tesfaye, the poet remains a symbol of pride for the entire continent, especially in Ethiopia.

"His genius can only be understood in Russian. My connection to him lies in this realisation: I am part of the same tradition. Just like Fyodor Dostoevsky or Anton Chekhov, they are mine, too. When I visited Chekhov’s house in Gurzuf, I felt, this is my world. When I read them, I become part of Russia," Teasfay emphasised.

Teasfay Atcbekha Negga was born in 1970 in Addis Ababa. He graduated from the Ilya Repin St. Petersburg State Academic Institute of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture under the Russian Academy of Arts. He is a member of the Union of Artists of Russia.

Photo: iStock / "Za Rubezhom" (images provided to the publication by Teasfay Atcbekha Negga)