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October 30, 2024

Artist Spotlight: Nahom Ghirmay 

Teaching Artist Nahom, a Black male with brown skin and mid-length curly hair, is seated on a stool in his art studio. He is wearing a muted pink T-shirt and tan pants with paint stains. Nahom sits relaxed, with his hands resting on his knees. The studio is bright and filled with Nahom's artwork displayed on the wall behind him. There are various portrait paintings and studies, each showing different styles and color palettes. To his left, a cart with drawers holds an assortment of art supplies.

Meet Nahom, an Urban ArtWorks Teaching Artist and collaborator whose artwork dives deep into the realms of identity and emotional experience. His works span multiple mediums, each piece an exploration of how we express our most personal feelings through subtle shifts in facial expression and body language. Nahom’s creative process is inspired by the stories, ambitions, and worries of those around him, these narratives are written in brushstrokes, charcoal, and nuanced color palettes.

With roots in Eritrea and a home in Seattle, Nahom’s art connects people across cultures and backgrounds. His work is driven by the belief that art can foster empathy and open doors to meaningful dialogue—creating spaces for understanding that transcend language and difference.

In this image, Teaching Artist Nahom, a Black male with brown skin and mid-length curly hair, is seated comfortably on a deep blue sofa. He wears a relaxed pink T-shirt and tan pants with faint paint stains. Nahom leans slightly to one side, his expression calm and thoughtful as he looks toward the camera.

Above him hangs a monochromatic painting featuring figures with raised hands. To his right, there’s a patterned cushion and a folded denim jacket on the sofa.

In this image, Teaching Artist Nahom, a Black male with brown skin and mid-length curly hair, is seated comfortably on a deep blue sofa. He wears a relaxed pink T-shirt and tan pants with faint paint stains. Nahom leans slightly to one side, his expression calm and thoughtful as he looks toward the camera. Above him hangs a monochromatic painting featuring figures with raised hands. To his right, there’s a patterned cushion and a folded denim jacket on the sofa.

How did you first get involved with Urban ArtWorks?

I first got involved with Urban ArtWorks by assisting in the production of the South Lake Union chalk installation. That experience allowed me to meet and collaborate with other artists, fostering a community-focused approach.

In this image, Teaching Artist Nahom, a Black male with brown skin and mid-length curly hair, is in his art studio, Nahom’s artwork is displayed on the easel next him. To his left, a cart with drawers holds an assortment of art supplies, including brushes. Nahom is reaching for a brush while smiling.

In this image, Teaching Artist Nahom, a Black male with brown skin and mid-length curly hair, is in his art studio, Nahom's artwork is displayed on the easel next him. To his left, a cart with drawers holds an assortment of art supplies, including brushes. Nahom is reaching for a brush while smiling.

Can you describe your experience as a teaching artist with Urban ArtWorks?

My experience as a teaching artist with Urban ArtWorks has been incredibly rewarding and inspiring. For many of the youth I worked with, the mural project was their first exposure to public art, and it was amazing to witness their learning and growth throughout the process. Being part of their journey as they discovered new skills and expressed themselves artistically has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my role. I’m also grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from my fellow artist-teachers, which has enriched my teaching experience.

In this image, Nahom is teaching at the Delridge MAP program. He stands in a hallway with colorful murals lining the walls, focusing on the mural being created by the MAP students. Nahom wears a loose-fitting T-shirt and appears immersed in observing the artwork. Several students surround him, including one just in front of him with their back to the camera.

In this image, Nahom, a Black male with brown skin and mid-length curly hair, is teaching at the Delridge MAP program. He stands in a hallway with colorful murals lining the walls, focusing on the mural being created by the MAP students. Nahom wears a loose-fitting T-shirt and appears immersed in observing the artwork. Several students surround him, including one just in front of him with their back to the camera.

How do you incorporate your personal experiences and emotions or elements of your culture or history into your projects or artwork?

My personal experiences and multicultural background play a crucial role in my artistic process. Having lived in and explored numerous cultures as an immigrant, these diverse experiences have profoundly influenced my perspective. I draw on this broad range of cultural and personal insights to bring depth and authenticity to my work, capturing the varied narratives and emotional lands

The image captures a classroom scene from the SeaTac MAP final celebration, where Teaching Artist Nahom, alongside Teaching Artist Seth stand with a mural on the wall behind them—the finished product of a collaborative project. To the left of the mural, a drawing on the wall shows the original sketch that inspired the mural, highlighting the progression from concept to completion. Nahom is clapping and smiling to celebrate the students achievements.

The image captures a classroom scene from the SeaTac MAP final celebration, where Teaching Artist Nahom, a Black male with brown skin and mid-length curly hair, is teaching alongside Teaching Artist Seth. Nahom stands near a vibrant mural on the wall behind him—the finished product of a collaborative project. To the left of the mural, a drawing on the wall shows the original sketch that inspired the mural, highlighting the progression from concept to completion. Nahom is clapping and smiling to celebrate the students achievements.

Why do you believe public art is important for communities, or how does art function as a medium for social change and raising awareness about important issues?

I believe public art plays a crucial role in fostering a culture that celebrates creativity and connection. It transforms public spaces into platforms for dialogue and reflection, encouraging communities to engage with important social issues. By making art accessible to everyone, public art promotes inclusivity, highlights diverse perspectives, and fosters a sense of shared identity within the community.

An image of Nahom Ghirmay and Jocelyn Oats standing in front of the colorful mural in West Seattle that they helped to complete. The mural features the Base Crew artists who placed various symbols, including images of a Base Crew Students mother, the Seattle skyline, flowers, and animals significant to First Nations culture.

Nahom Ghirmay, a Black male with curly hair, and Jocelyn Oats are standing in front of the colorful mural in West Seattle. The mural features the Base Crew artists who placed various symbols, including images of a Base Crew Students mother, the Seattle skyline, flowers, and animals significant to First Nations culture.

Can you share a memorable moment or project from your time with Urban ArtWorks?

One of my most memorable experiences with Urban ArtWorks was during the final mural celebration. Seeing the students take pride in their collaborative work was truly rewarding. I also cherish the thank you notes I received from the students :)

The image shows the classroom in the SeaTac MAP final celebration, where Teaching Artist Nahom, a Black male with brown skin and mid-length curly hair, stands in front of the mural —the finished product of a collaborative project. Around him are students, visible from the backs of their heads.

The image shows the classroom in the SeaTac MAP final celebration, where Teaching Artist Nahom, a Black male with brown skin and mid-length curly hair, stands in front of the mural —the finished product of a collaborative project. Around him are students, visible from the backs of their heads.

How do you encourage your students to express their own identities and voices through their art?

I encourage my students to embrace their authentic selves and not shy away from expressing their unique ideas. I also guide them in exploring various creative techniques and approaches, giving them multiple avenues to convey their personal expression and identity.

Teaching Artist Nahom is standing in front of the Delridge MAP students who are sitting at a table in the classroom. The environment includes a desk, whiteboard, and art on the walls.

Teaching Artist Nahom Ghirmay, a Black male with brown skin and mid-length curly hair, is standing in front of the Delridge MAP students who are sitting at a table in the classroom. The environment includes a desk, whiteboard, and art on the walls.

What challenges have you faced as a teaching artist and what advice would you give to aspiring artists who want to make a difference through their work?

One of the challenges I’ve faced is finding ways to meet the diverse needs of students, especially when they come from different backgrounds and have varying levels of artistic experience. Balancing creative freedom with guidance can be tricky. My advice to aspiring artists who want to make a difference is to stay true to your vision and values, while always remaining open to learning.

This image shows Teaching Artist Nahom, a Black male with brown skin and mid-length curly hair, in his art studio. He is wearing a muted pink T-shirt and tan pants with paint stains. Nahom stands next to his artwork relaxed with his right hand in his pants pocket. There are various portrait paintings and studies, each showing different styles and color palettes. To his left, a cart with drawers holds an assortment of art supplies. The painting on the easel shows a woman with long hair in a dress holding flowers.

This image shows Teaching Artist Nahom, a Black male with brown skin and mid-length curly hair, in his art studio. He is wearing a muted pink T-shirt and tan pants with paint stains. Nahom stands next to his artwork relaxed with his right hand in his pants pocket. There are various portrait paintings and studies, each showing different styles and color palettes. To his left, a cart with drawers holds an assortment of art supplies. The painting on the easel shows a woman with long hair in a dress holding flowers.
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