We were angry all the time. We were envious all the time. We were relieved that we were being looked at by people who were just as angry and envious as we were. Some people grew nervous that they would be left behind by the times; these people turned their backs on culture and took pleasure in the days passing the way they always had— with the sun rising in the morning, and going down at night. We were curious about the world to come but were relieved that its problems would not be our own. Some people experienced a delightful rest in becoming very small, inferior, and irrelevant, in the face of such chaos and change.
Moon is about this quote by Carl Sandburg. “The moon is a friend for the lonesome to talk to”
It’s about how the moon feels like a quiet companion for people who feel alone. When everything around us is still and silent, the moon becomes someone we can share our thoughts with, even if it doesn’t speak back.
It’s always there, steady and peaceful, like a friend who listens without judging. For many, just looking at the moon can feel comforting, like we’re not alone in the world. It reminds us that there’s beauty and connection even in the simplest, quietest things.
Patterns and Macawiis portray the patterns of life and how they shape who we are. Just like the intricate designs on Macawiis, our experiences, struggles, and joys weave together to define us. It’s a reflection of identity and the beauty found in the journey of becoming.
To the Moon and Back explores the experience of being left behind by someone you loved and extremely special in your life and the only thing left is their memories and their presence, and being left with their patterns, loving them to the moon and back.
Malefic means causing destruction or harm, especially by supernatural forces. It’s about my first girlfriend’s experience, and I wanted to portray it and share it with everyone.
BIO
Tibeb Sirak (b. 2002) is an emerging artist based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, whose work reflects a deep connection to his Somali roots and a profound exploration of human experience. Tibeb’s artistic journey focuses on patterns and how it has connections with every one of us. Tibeb aims to express that by using the East African cultural patterns, the rich artistic heritage, and the vibrant cultural tapestry of the Somali community. Making artworks from the traditions of Ethiopia and Somalia, Tibeb’s art captures the essence of his surroundings with a unique blend of symbolism and expressionism.
Patterns are repetitive sequences of behavior, thoughts, or emotions that shape our lives. They can be positive or negative, but we often find ourselves stuck in negative patterns that prevent us from reaching our full potential.
My work mostly focuses on patterns and how they relate to our daily lives. I convey this idea using primary aspects from Somali and Ethiopian culture. By committing myself to studying these patterns, I aim to unearth the fundamental truths that bond us as a species. By employing color harmony, texture symphony, or shape repetition, my art offers a visual reflection on the diversity and beauty of life itself.
Contact tewasartandpatrons@gmail.com
or Whatsapp +254 794 500065
