Herbert Seiler

Herbert Seiler (May 10, 1928 – March 7, 2008) was a Czech-born sculptor, painter, and educator known for his contributions to contemporary art, particularly in Ethiopia. His work encompassed a range of media, including bronze, marble, and fiberglass. Seiler’s career included teaching, public commissions, and innovations in sculptural techniques, making him a significant figure in both European and African art circles.
==Early life and education==
Seiler was born on May 10, 1928, in Budweis, Czechoslovakia (now České Budějovice, Czech Republic). His formative years were shaped by the turmoil of World War II. At 14, Seiler and his classmates were kidnapped and drafted by the Nazi regime. He refused to serve the regime and surrendered to Soviet forces and was imprisoned in a labor camp, from which he later escaped.
After the war, Seiler pursued formal art education. He attended the Kunstgewerbeschule (School of Arts and Crafts) in Linz, Austria, and later the Kunstschule in Salzburg, where he studied under renowned sculptor Giacomo Manzù. By 1953, Seiler had completed his studies, earning recognition for his technical skill and creative vision.
==Artistic career==
In 1954, Seiler began a motorbike journey across Africa, eventually settling in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 1956. Over the next three decades, he became a prominent figure in Ethiopia’s artistic community. He served as a sculpture instructor at the Fine Arts School in Addis Ababa and received numerous commissions from government and private entities, creating statues, busts, murals, and stage decor and designs for Ethiopian government stamps.
His works spanned various media, including bronze, marble, and fiberglass, the latter of which he innovatively incorporated into his sculptures. Seiler contributed to Ethiopia’s representation at two World Exhibitions, Expo 67 in Montreal and Expo 70 in Osaka, designing the Ethiopian pavilions’ artwork. He has also created portraits of Ethiopian tribal groups, heads of state, and visiting dignitaries. 
Seiler’s art gained international recognition through exhibitions in Austria, Germany, France, Hong Kong, Paris, Berlin, the United States, and Ethiopia. His work spanned a range of styles, from figurative to semi-abstract, focusing on themes of human emotion, strength, and resilience. His ability to capture the complexities of human expression made his work distinctive. His sculptures reflected his interest in humanity and life, resonating with audiences around the world.
In 1983, the political unrest in Ethiopia forced Seiler to relocate to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, with his family. Later, in 1989, he moved to Paros, Greece, where his work took on new dimensions, influenced by the region’s culture and history.
In 2006, Seiler was honored as an honorary citizen of Ethiopia in 2006.
==Notable works==
Among Seiler’s significant works is the design and execution of the Ethiopian pavilion's artwork, which included sculpting the iconic Axum obelisks and the lions that flank the access staircase. Seiler also created notable commemorative stamps, such as the one marking Emperor Haile Selassie's 30th coronation anniversary and another celebrating the 20th anniversary of Ethiopia's liberation from Italian occupation by Allied Forces.
Seiler has produced numerous busts and portraits of Emperor Haile Selassie. He sculpted the Ethiopian relief for the first Organisation of African Unity meeting in 1963, which is now displayed at the School of Fine Arts. He was also closely involved in this historic gathering, painting portraits of various heads of state and sculpting multiple busts to commemorate the occasion.
Seiler has also designed coins for the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia. One coin, depicting Emperor Menelik II, is preserved in the National Museum of Ethiopia and the Mehal Ketema Branch. Additionally, Seiler has signed a portrait of Emperor Haile Selassie, autographed by both the artist and the Emperor.
==Legacy==
In 2022, his family established The Seiler Legacy to preserve his works and promote his contributions to global art. This initiative aims to create a comprehensive collection of his works, ensuring that future generations can appreciate his artistic journey and impact.
The same year, The Seiler Legacy copyrighted and published a novel, “Ethiopia: A Life Lived Through Herbert Seiler,” chronicling the artistic journey of Seiler. The book is expected to be released in 2025. 
==Personal life==
Seiler was married to his American wife, Marion E. Hill, and together they had three children: two sons, Herbert and Christopher, and a daughter named Marie.
==Death==
Seiler died on March 7, 2008, at the age of 80, in Paros, Greece. 
==References==
==External links==
* The Seiler Legacy
Category:1928 births
Category:2008 deaths
Category:Sculptors
Category:Painters
Category:Educators
Category:Czech people