Ataklet Assefa was born in the Northern part of Ethiopia in a town called Mekle. Mekle is the principal center of Ethiopia’s inland salt trade. Ataklet graduated from Fine Arts of Addis Abeba University. He is 44 years old, and a full-time studio Artist, currently living in Addis Abeba. He is married and has three children.
Ataklet’s artistic style is deeply rooted in the vibrant, hardworking spirit of Addis Ababa, particularly its marketplaces. His work draws constant inspiration from the Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa, where his mother once worked. This personal connection fuels his creative vision, leading him to explore the colorful energy of everyday life in the city. Ataklet’s designs are always decorative, reflecting the textures, patterns, and visual richness of the market environment.