A record of recognition
International acknowledgement across six decades.
Venice Biennale
Selected to represent Ethiopia at the 31st Venice Biennale — the first Ethiopian artist to appear at the world's oldest and most prestigious international art exhibition.
Uffizi Gallery Acquisition
A work by Afewerk Tekle entered the permanent collection of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence — the first African artist to be so honoured by one of the world's oldest museums.
Haile Selassie I Prize for the Fine Arts
The highest honour in Ethiopian artistic life, awarded by Emperor Haile Selassie I for outstanding contribution to the arts of Ethiopia.
Gold Medal, Algiers International Festival
Awarded at the Algiers International Festival in Algiers, Algeria, for lifetime contribution to the arts of the African continent.
Honorary Doctorate, Addis Ababa University
An honorary doctorate awarded in recognition of Afewerk's singular contribution to Ethiopian art and culture.