Hana Yilma Godine

Hana Yilma Godine's work is influenced by observations of her surroundings and social structures during her upbringing in the multicultural metropolis of Addis Ababa, and while traveling and studying in Europe and the United States. Her use of flattened perspective, elongated figures, and evenly distributed light recalls Ethiopian iconography which underscores the divinity of biblical subjects by rejecting rules of earthly representation. At the same time, Godine's works are firmly grounded in reality - she paints on and with traditional Ethiopian fabrics which women typically source at the local market and turn into affordable dresses. Godine weaves her brushstrokes in and around the fabric print, at times leaving the flowery patterns untouched, at times letting them glimmer through the painted layers.