We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nafkot Gebeyehu. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nafkot below.

Nafkot , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

I am also a co-founder of an art studio called Studio-11. The world hit pause in 2020, and Addis Ababa wasn’t spared. Unable to pursue our creative endeavors my partner Zion and I met as we started working at Opian, a health-tech company. We found solace in a shared passion – art. The city’s vibrant art scene, usually a source of inspiration, felt muffled by the lockdown. But amidst the quiet, a new dream bloomed. We’d talk for hours, sketching out not just ideas on paper, but the vision for a space. A haven for young artists, especially women, where creativity could flow freely.

Fast forward two years, and Studio 11 is more than just a dream. Born in a time of pause, we now have a vibrant space hosting regular art shows and walls that once echoed with the hum of fluorescent lights now hum with the energy of creation. Aspiring artists find not just a place to work, but a community to learn from, a platform to showcase their work, and a chorus of encouragement to fuel their journeys. Studio 11 is our story, but it’s also becoming the story of countless artists finding their voice in the heart of Addis Ababa.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Nafkot Gebeyehu and I am a documentary photographer and filmmaker based in Addis Ababa Ethiopia. My biggest influence is my father, an Amharic novelist, surrounded me with art and stories. But in a practical world, creativity wasn’t always encouraged. So, I set out to study an engineering. Yet, the pull to create was undeniable. After two years, I quit and stumbled through journalism, finding a love for connecting with people behind the lens. Photography became my bridge, breaking down barriers and sparking conversations. Now, a decade later, I’m a documentary photographer, capturing stories. And with my partner, a fellow Ethiopian artist, we run Studio Eleven, a space nurturing the next generation of creatives. It’s a full circle moment, proving that even detours can lead you back to your artistic roots.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

One thing we’ve learned (and maybe it’s not unique to us) is that creatives often hold ourselves to insanely high standards. In business, however, that pursuit of perfection can be a roadblock. Sometimes, “done” is better than perfect.

Another hurdle is the constant connection between our art and our business. It’s tough to separate the two! Our work feels like an extension of ourselves. Learning to detach, to make space for rest and a healthy distance, is a skill we’re still actively developing. It’s a constant dance between pouring our hearts into our creative endeavors and taking a step back to breathe.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The true essence of being a curator lies in nurturing raw talent. We have the privilege of being the first to champion an artist, launching them onto the world stage. But the magic truly unfolds on opening night. Our gallery transforms from a space for art to a vibrant hub of connection. Artists, collectors, and ideas collide, sparking collaborations and fostering a thriving creative community. It’s here, surrounded by the power of artistic expression, that we leave the most profound impact – facilitating human connection and a deeper understanding of the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://studio11.et/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio11.et/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nafkot-gebeyehu/

Image Credits
I am the photographer: Nafkot Gebeyehu (IG: @fuabilich)