Amidst the bustling streets of Addis Ababa’s Tor-Hailoch neighbourhood, there stands a once-magnificent structure that holds the key to an extraordinary artistic legacy. Villa Alpha, a creation of the esteemed Laureate Maître Artiste Afewerk Tekle, tells a tale of artistic brilliance and cultural significance. Designed by the master himself and adorned with his renowned works, this property was envisioned as a sanctuary for art enthusiasts—a place where creativity could flourish and souls could be inspired.
However, the passage of time has not been kind to Villa Alpha.
Today, it stands as a mere shadow of its former glory, bearing witness to neglect and abandonment. Algae-covered fences and webs spun by spiders now grace its once-vibrant surroundings, while a haunting darkness has engulfed the once-colourful facade. It’s a stark reminder that even the most remarkable creations can succumb to the hands of neglect.
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More than a decade ago, Afewerk Tekle entrusted the Villa to the government, with the hope that it would be revitalized and serve as a cultural haven. Yet, despite grand promises of extensive renovations, the doors of this artistic sanctuary remain firmly closed to the public. Federal police officers now guard its emptiness, their presence only emphasizing the desolation that has overtaken this once-thriving establishment.
One intriguing aspect of Villa Alpha’s transformation into a museum is the preservation of Afewerk’s personal belongings. The Laureate renowned for his artistic prowess, had a habit of cherishing even the most ordinary items he used in his daily life, according to sources.
Afewerk Tekle’s contributions to the art world were nothing short of ground-breaking. As the inaugural African member of the esteemed Russian Academy of Arts in 1983, he shattered barriers and left an indelible mark on the global artistic landscape. Villa Alpha was meant to embody his vision—a testament to his unparalleled talent and the beauty he bestowed upon the world.
Tragically, the current state of this cultural gem couldn’t be further from that vision, with its artistic treasures hidden away and the promise of renewal left unfulfilled.
Born in 1932, Afewerk Tekle was a visionary Ethiopian artist whose talents knew no bounds, spanning the realms of painting, sculpture, and various other visual expressions.
Villa Alpha, a true architectural marvel, is a manifestation of Afewerk’s creative vision, conceived in 1959. For 15 years, the artist dedicated himself to the construction of this cultural treasure—a comprehensive complex that not only showcased his exceptional works but also became a symbol of Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage.
Drawing inspiration from his own roots, Afewerk incorporated elements reminiscent of ancient Aksum, the medieval castles of Gondar, and the historic walled city of Harrar into the design of Villa Alpha. The result is a captivating blend of tradition and innovation, a testament to the artist’s deep connection to his heritage.
Every corner of Villa Alpha tells a story. Adorned with nostalgic paintings that evoke a sense of wonder, this architectural masterpiece boasts 14 meticulously designed rooms, each with its own unique charm. Noteworthy are the two distinct doors—a personal entrance exclusively for Afewerk and another reserved solely for his esteemed guests, a testament to his generosity and hospitality.
Despite the artist’s passing in 2012, his artistic legacy lives on. However, the fate of Villa Alpha has been entangled in a web of legal disputes and half-hearted attempts at renovation, far from the vibrant cultural haven that Afewerk had envisioned. With no legal beneficiary to claim his possessions, the question of rightful ownership hangs in the air, casting a shadow over the future of this artistic treasure.
Abebaw Ayalew, an Associate Professor and the Director-General of the Authority, sheds light on the ongoing debate surrounding Afewerk’s belongings.
In the midst of a turbulent period surrounding the rightful ownership of Villa Alpha, an unexpected figure named Alemayehu Tekle emerged, claiming to be the long-lost brother of the esteemed artist.
Alemayehu asserted his status as the lawful beneficiary of his brother’s possessions, including the revered Villa Alpha. This revelation set in motion a legal battle that would span four arduous years, leaving the fate of the cultural gem hanging in the balance.
During this prolonged period of uncertainty, Villa Alpha stood silently, its doors closed and inaccessible to the public. Neglected and devoid of maintenance, the passage of time took its toll, leaving noticeable damage to the property. It was a disheartening sight to witness the deterioration of this architectural masterpiece, a stark contrast to the vibrant haven of artistry it was intended to be.
Tragically, the legal proceedings reached no resolution, as Alemayehu, the claimant, passed away in late 2016, leaving the trial unresolved. With no legal beneficiary remaining, the responsibility for the artist’s belongings, including Villa Alpha, fell into the hands of the government.
Consequently, funds of the late artist were transferred to the Ministry of Finance and the Ethiopian Heritage Authority took charge of the artist’s properties, ensuring their preservation and safeguarding for future generations. In 2017, the transfer process was finalized, marking a turning point in the journey of Villa Alpha.
Recognizing the need to restore this cultural gem to its former glory, the Authority embarked on a mission to breathe new life into Villa Alpha. A tender process was initiated to secure a renovation contract, estimated at around 3.5 million birr, Abebaw explained. This comprehensive refurbishment plan encompasses essential tasks such as repainting, addressing ceiling repairs, and making necessary minor adjustments. Preliminary investigations indicated that no additional damage has been uncovered, providing a glimmer of hope for the restoration efforts.
Stepping into his role as Deputy Director of the Authority in 2019, Abebaw embarked on a mission to bring the Villa Alpha refurbishment project to its long-awaited completion. However, the path to restoration was not without its share of hurdles.
“Our main objective was to complete the refurbishment works but we faced challenges with the contractor,” he said.
Initially, a contractor named ‘Sunshine Solutions’ was entrusted with the task of revitalizing Villa Alpha. Regrettably, Abebaw says they encountered challenges that caused significant delays, “leading to two extensions of the project timeline. Issues with payments and other related matters were cited by the contractor for their inability to meet the timeline.”
Determined to overcome these setbacks, the Authority conducted a thorough investigation, which unearthed more extensive issues with Villa Alpha than anticipated. Despite discovering that the chosen contractor had no prior experience handling such complex and significant restoration projects, the Authority opted for a pragmatic approach. Rather than terminating the contract, they decided to engage in negotiations with Sunshine Solutions, reaching an agreement to continue the project based on the original plan.
As the restoration of Villa Alpha progresses, the Heritage Authority aims to honor Afewerk Tekle’s artistic legacy by transforming the villa into a museum that showcases not only his magnificent artworks but also the essence of his life.
With the agreement in place, the next vital step was the meticulous return of all the properties and artworks to their original locations.
During the initial stages of renovation, the contractor had carefully relocated the entire collection from Villa Alpha to a specially constructed shelter within the compound. This temporary sanctuary provided a safe haven for the artworks, shielding them from potential damage during the restoration process. Every item underwent a comprehensive audit, cross-referencing them with previous documentation.
With the relief of confirming that each piece was accounted, the Authority moved forward, ready to tackle the subsequent phases of the project.
Further investigations revealed that Villa Alpha had been constructed without proper architectural plans or designs, leading to a myriad of issues over the years. Recognizing the significance of comprehensive maintenance, the Authority resolved to address plumbing problems and tackle other incidents that had plagued the property.
The closure of Villa Alpha during the trial years has left a lasting impact on the historic structure, according to Abebaw Tekle. The absence of regular maintenance has resulted in roof leaks and groundwater accumulation, posing a significant challenge to the building’s foundation. To restore the villa to its former glory, several crucial areas require attention, as highlighted by the Director General.
Roofs, floors, walls, electrical wiring, security cameras, and the garden all need extensive work to ensure the villa’s preservation. The presence of valuable artworks within the villa underscores the importance of implementing proper security measures. The Authority is considering the installation of security cameras, but the limited space inside and around the building presents logistical challenges.
In preparation for the renovation work, all items from Villa Alpha were carefully relocated to a vacant space within the Ethiopian Cultural Heritage premises. An investigation team was contracted through a tender process. However, financial requests and boundary issues have complicated the situation.
To address these challenges, the Authority took on the responsibility of covering the expenses of the investigation contract and establishing a necessary buffer zone to ensure the security of the neighboring houses.
Despite the tender, the finalization process is still pending. Meanwhile, the Authority is diligently preparing the renovation plans for Villa Alpha. When asked about the current state of the castle, the director-general explained that no actual renovation work has commenced yet due to the building’s fragile condition. Over the course of a year, his office conducted a comprehensive assessment of the renovation requirements.
“Currently, we are looking for a suitable contractor capable of undertaking a thorough renovation, with the vision of reopening Villa Alpha as a museum in the future,” he said.
The Authority, under Abebaw’s guidance, has allocated an estimated budget of 82 million birr for the endeavor, with 20 million birr already secured. The Authority is seeking additional funding with plans to commence the renovation process as soon as a suitable contractor is identified.
The goal is to complete the project by the end of 2024.
One intriguing aspect of Villa Alpha’s transformation into a museum is the preservation of Afewerk’s personal belongings. The Laureate renowned for his artistic prowess, had a habit of cherishing even the most ordinary items he used in his daily life, according to sources.
From the beer bottle he last drank from to plates, forks, spoons, and other personal effects, each item has been carefully preserved to honor the Laureates legacy, Abebaw explained. When Villa Alpha opens its doors as a museum, visitors will have the unique opportunity to witness these intimate belongings, allowing them to connect with the artist on a personal level.
Afewerk’s artistic journey not only involved creating breathtaking masterpieces but also safeguarding his original works. He resisted the urge to sell most of his original paintings, choosing instead to retain copies of his creations. Additionally, he meticulously preserved the awards he received throughout his illustrious career. Once the renovation is complete, the Heritage Authority is considering an exhibition format to showcase these prestigious accolades.
Among Afewerk’s notable paintings are captivating pieces with titles like “Backbones of African Civilization,” “African Movement,” “African Atmosphere,” and “African Unity.” One of his most celebrated works, “Africa’s Heritage,” was prominently displayed at Expo 67 in Montreal and has since found a home in the esteemed collection of the National Museum of Ethiopia. Furthermore, Afewerk’s creativity extended beyond traditional paintings. His talent for design led him to craft over ten emblems and flags symbolizing African unity.
Undoubtedly, the artist’s greatest achievements is the creation of massive stained-glass windows adorning Africa Hall, the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. These awe-inspiring windows, spanning an impressive 150 square meters, narrate the story of Africa’s past, present struggles, and dreams for the future.
As the restoration of Villa Alpha progresses, the Heritage Authority aims to honor Afewerk Tekle’s artistic legacy by transforming the villa into a museum that showcases not only his magnificent artworks but also the essence of his life. Visitors will have the privilege of immersing themselves in his world, appreciating his personal belongings, admiring his renowned pieces, and gaining a profound understanding of his contributions to African art and unity.
The plight of Villa Alpha serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced in preserving the legacies of renowned artists. It raises a call to action—a plea for authorities and art enthusiasts alike to breathe new life into this forgotten masterpiece. The story of Villa Alpha is one that deserves a triumphant ending—a narrative of redemption and restoration that would do justice to the legacy of an extraordinary artist.
As we imagine the future of Villa Alpha, we envision a reawakening—a renaissance of its splendor that will once again captivate the hearts and minds of art enthusiasts. The story of Afewerk Tekle’s artistic legacy, intertwined with the fate of Villa Alpha, serves as a testament to the enduring power of creativity and the profound impact of art on our cultural heritage.
