An Art of emancipation at the African Union.

At the entrance of the Africa hall at the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the first thing a visitor could see is one such depiction Pan-Africanism - the famous stained-glass windows-

which was conceptualized and designed by the one of the most celebrated artist of the continent, and the first Laureate of the Haile Selassie 1 Prize for the Fine Arts, Afewerk Tekle. The art, a rich kaleidoscope of bright colors, was commissioned by the then Emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie who made a great contributions in the history of Pan- Africanism.

Dubbed as one of the greatest achievements of the artist, the elaborate piece was placed in the hall at the peak of the Pan-Africanist movement and the formation of the OAU. The artwork consists of three panels that tell a series of stories of Africa's past, present and future and covers a grand area of 150 square meters.

It is titled " Total Liberation of Africa" and the fist panel delineates Africa's gloomy and oppressed past; the second shows the peoples' struggles to be released from problems that ensnared them and their quest for freedom. The third series shows the high aspirations for the future, a brighter and better Africa. This piece attempts to inspire people to uplift their nations and create an optimistic view of life.

Afewerk creates works that reflects his passion t fight for the dignity and honor of African people and has often given his artwork titles such as "Backbones of the Afrcan Continent",  " Africa's Heritage" and "African Unity". The artist managed to  master the art of stained glass work which is a medium that has inspired artist ever since the Middle Ages, during his extensive study tour around Europe in the 1950's.