Netsa Lemma Guya: A spirited artist with vibrant colours

Netsa Lemma Guya: A spirited artist with vibrant colours

Written by LEULSEGED WORKU

Very recently an art exhibition, which aimed at raising funds that will be channeled towards bringing into play an Art Center in Bishoftu Town, was opened at Oromia Cultural Center in Addis Ababa. In the exhibition more than 30 works of Netsa Lemma — daughter of the well acclaimed painter Dr. Lemma Guya`s —was staged.

Featured in the exhibition were several “post abstract realism” visual artistic works. The paintings reflected a gamut of socio-cultural practices of humankind. They echoed the power of love, the value of freedom, the ugliness of injustice, the suffocation of men dominated culture and the beauty of women. They as well shed light on the marriage bed, motherhood, among others.

Officially launching the exhibition, Culture and Tourism Minister Amin Abdulkedir underscored that in addition to its recreational value, visual art has a far reaching significance in attracting tourists and building the image of the country.

According to him, Ethiopia has a long history when it comes to visual art, which is still part of its culture. And this culture is being transferred from generation to generation. The Lemma family is a living billboard or testimony to this fact.

Appreciating Netsa`s artistic works Amin said that, in addition to capturing and reflecting the day to day activities of humankind she has conveyed a message concerning the threat of HIV and AIDS and Cancer.

According to him, the construction of the Art Center at Bishoftu will add extra value to the town. It will also serve as a center of excellence for young and gifted future artists.

On her part Netsa said that, the creativity center helps to instill the notion of self-worth and confidence, which we believe can be effected through creative work.

According to her, the Creative art Center offers a safe space in which to work, encourage and support the exploration of the wonderland of art. It as well affords a room for creativity providing a vehicle for expression towards the furtherance of artistic development and skills necessary for improving their lives and their communities.

“Our project focuses on bringing the arts to our small community in a variety of ways. We provide both an art gallery and creativity center. The gallery plays host to local artists and special events for community enrichment.”

In her paintings, Netsa has reflected her cultural exposition. In one of her artistic piece, she has superbly portrayed the Father of Forgiveness Nelson Mandela. Her exposure to the Western world has also left its own mark on her artistic works.

Male-dominated culture, the mother-child attachment and others are well depicted by her gifted and talented fingers. The UFOs, which are hardly known to Africans, are also depicted by her gifted hands. As an African artist most of her works are painted with brighter hues.

When asked what kind of painting style she opts to pursue she said that, I describe my work as “post abstract realism”. I mainly use shapes. But also uses colors, line combinations, textures and objects to give character and color to my expressions of feelings and thoughts. And my signature work consists of bright, bold and vibrant hues.

According to Netsa, art can be a powerful tool in averting problems, as well as in helping individuals feel better about themselves and dispelling diffidence. “I hope that all works of mine will have something to communicate with the conscious and subconscious mind of the observer. My goal is simply to create a therapeutic, educational, and unforgettable paintings which are intimate, striking and enduring.” she noted.

During my stay with Netsa I had asked her who her role model is in her artistic pursuit. According to her, the self trained Dr. Lemma Guyya has wielded a great influence on her and as such he has a great place in her artistic life. In addition to him, the works of Picasso, Henri Matisse, Vincent Van Gogh also had an inspiring power on her artistic life.

Lady Justice: Lady Justice is one of the paintings staged at the gallery. In this picture Netsa has depicted the statue of justice in different version that ironically reflects injustice. The beautiful statue of justice but is changed into an old lady ironically with blind window like eyes. Her graceful dress is changed into a loosened red nightgown. The woman looks like a lifeless skeleton. But, her breast showcases that she is still alive. Though the transparent red gown has covered some part of her body one can count her bones. Skinny, she has a flesh devoid body. Though she seems lifeless she still holds the sword and the balancing scale of truth in her hands. There is a back drop of dark and bright colors behind her which indicate her stand of justice in the darkest hours where evil and violence are born and prowl upon its innocent prey.

Concerning to this haunting image, Netsa has her own philosophy. “....... I’ve created ‘Lady Justice’ into a skeleton form. She still holds her position and the Balancing Scale of Truth, which is also of bones, indicating an old, weak, and fragile system....”

“ ........Due to the ongoing, and the constant twists, turns, and bending of what she stands for (Justice); those who are in charge, will reap what they sow! For her eyes (known for being Blindfolded) purposely are covered in darkness against any visual judgments....”

...Lady Justice, draped and loosely covered in her bloody red nightgown, which indicates her stand of justice in the darkest hours where evil and violence are born and prowl upon its innocent prey--though she stands! She said.

The wounded angle: Is another image that caught my attention. I see a strong and beautiful angel who lost her right wing. Its feathers have fallen. There is a wounded spot on her right shoulder. The blood has covered some part of her right wing. This beautiful angel is crying. In the near distance there are two naked girls who stood giving their back. They seem grieved from unknown reason to me. But I feel and see a scared heart in their soul.

Yoga: Is another picture depicted by the gifted hands of Netsa. Like most of her works it is painted in a “post abstract realism” style. According to her, Yoga is an ancient but perfect science that deals with the evolution of humanity. This evolution includes all aspects of one's being, from bodily health to self-realization. “Yoga means union - the union of body with consciousness and consciousness with the soul.”

The marriage bed, woman in red top, Zulu shield, multiple personalities, freedom, happy woman, Awareness on HIV and AIDS,motherhood , the beauty of woman body, Nelson Mandela, Mosses in the Sinai Mountain were among the paintings staged at the art exhibition.

As mentioned earlier Netsa Lemma the daughter of the well known self trained painter Dr. Lemma Guya, who is the founder of Lemmism goat skin painting style. Netsa was born and brought up in Debre Zeit. After completing her high school she has joined the Addis Ababa University Fine Art School. In Addition to her artistic profession she is also a counseling psychologist. Using her academic and artistic gift, she is helping adults with mentally disability and children with art therapy.

Netsa`s work are primarily oil on canvas, hardboard and Goatskin. As her talent grew in time, her works have picked steam in quality and depth. Universal themes such as Breast Cancer, HIV and AIDS, Life, Religion, Science, and Cultural issues have dominated her works. The issues concerning to gender assignment, the fragility of family dynamics and domestic violence are also other areas where she focused.

During my stay with Netsa I have witnessed how aglow her soul is. My stay with her does not exceed an hour. But, her smile, her soul with a positive thinking bent and, her vision to consecrate her time and money to help elderly people has a lasting effect in my heart. Her desire to nurse elderly people in her mother country has inspired me most. Hand in hand with pursuing painting Netsa has a plan to extend a helping hand to Ethiopian elders who need support.