Artist Bio
Mentwab "Mentu" Easwaran, an Ethiopian abstract expressionist in Washington, D.C., pursued art in the US. Despite limited exposure to fine arts in Ethiopia, her family supported her creative talents, even letting her paint on their home's surfaces. As a teen, she painted murals on unconventional spaces, fueling her interest in unique materials and stories.
Mentu's art evolves around narratives, focusing on women, migration, immigrant life, and love. She aims for authentic storytelling, avoiding media exaggerations. She currently emphasizes depicting love amid challenges, channeling emotions into positive energy through her art.
Mentu's curiosity drives her to experiment with materials, mediums, and tools, connecting her art with her African heritage and the present environment. Inspired by Afewerk Tekle, Gerhard Richter, and Julie Mehretu, she crafted her style through self-study and learning from professionals.