Mentwab Easwaran
Artist Bio
Mentwab Easwaran, known as Mentu, is a visionary artist and designer with over two decades of experience crafting soul-stirring visual solutions.
Hailing from the vibrant heart of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Mentu's artistic journey defied formal institutions. Her love for art and graphic design ignited at a young age, nurtured by the unwavering support of family and friends. In a society where 'design' often evoked architecture, fashion, and engineering, the world of fine arts and graphic design remained a mystical realm.
At 18, devoid of formal art education, Mentu embarked on a remarkable path. Commissioned by a non-profit, she created 28 captivating pillow cover designs, raising funds for a community of 800. Two years of skill honing led her to the United States, culminating in a Communication Design degree from Parsons School of Design.
Since then, Mentu has woven captivating visual tales for governments and businesses. Her evolving style remains deeply narrative, inspired by her surroundings and upbringing. Her boundless curiosity led her to experiment with materials, forging a style connecting her present to the natural world. Using acrylics, brushes, knives, and an array of materials like spray paint and jute, she infuses intense emotions into her canvases, exploring texture and depth.
Starting each piece without a predetermined path, Mentu's creations often circle back to three core themes: migration, the immigrant experience, and love. These themes, etched into her soul, fuel her artistic responsibility and unwavering commitment to telling these stories with honesty, devoid of embellishment. Her canvases offer a sanctuary for releasing anger and frustration, transmuting emotions into positive energy.
In recognition of her unyielding devotion, Mentu received the 36th Annual DC Mayor's Bowsers Arts Award for Excellence in Visual Arts. Her soulful creations reside at EthioGallery.com, her online art sanctuary, and Coobaya.com, her marketplace, where they continue to inspire all who behold them.