Netsa Lemma

SOTA Selective

My work is primarily oil on canvas and hardboard. As my work evolves I aim to deal with strong universal topics such as Breast Cancer, HIV/AIDS, Life, Religion, Science, and Cultural issues. In my work, I frequently introduce abstract elements - I describe my work as “post abstract realism “. My dual cultural background is evident in my work: the bold colors inspired by my African heritage and the sharp industrial lines by the years I spent in North America. My work is a unique blend of who I am, who I am struggling to become, and my observation of the world around me. Certainly, I am an African woman; as a result my work is influenced by a sensibility; yet affected and enriched by my time spent in the USA.
In my view the act of painting is that of a birthing process and I completely immerse myself in the act of creating. Once the product is produced I am free to move on to another dimension, no longer burdened by the subject as it is now outside me. Of course, the birth process is very personal to me, but the end product is not. Each finished painting is a gift to the individuals who view it. I trust that each of my works will communicate with the conscious and subconscious mind of the observer. It is my small contribution to life. My work is not only a labour of love, but also a method of healing inside and outside of myself.

biography

Selected Exhibitions:

2011
Centurion Art Gallery of South Africa, Centurion
2005
National Museum, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
2004
United Nation (UN), NY (USA)
2001
Mistretta Galleries, LLC-Long Island, NY (USA)

interview

Which new trends or South African artists do you find inspiring at the moment?
At this moment, I really find Johan Marais body of work very inspiring, particularly his landscape and still-life paintings.

Which South African deceased artist do you most admire and why?
Leon Botha from Cape Town is one of the South African artists that I really admire because of what he was able to achieve irrespective of his condition. Leon’s works are outstanding especially when he puts his hip-hop touch on them.

Which exhibition that you have visited made the greatest impact on you and why?
I believe most exhibitions that I have visited have made an impact on me but an exhibition by Gerard Sekoto at the Pretoria Art Museum made the greatest impact solely because he amazingly captured realities of township life.

Where do you get your inspiration for your work?
I get my inspiration from everything that I see, feel, hear and including life experience.

Do you have any rituals or habits involving your art-making that you can tell us about?
I do not have any rituals per se but I have habits which include having many coffee breaks and listening to classic and reggae music.

What do you like most about being an artist?
I like being an artist because I am not confined and I have the carte blanche to express myself anyway I wish to.

How do you handle bad days when you experience artist's block?
When I have, bad days I always try to change the media, subject matter or even try a new style and it is helpful to overcome lack of motivation.

What is your greatest achievement as an artist to date?
I think my greatest achievement as an artist to date is having had an opportunity to exhibit my artworks at the United Nations and also having the former Secretary General Kofi Annan visiting my exhibition and giving me some words of encouragement.

Do you feel that you want to make a difference to the world or in people's lives? If yes, how?
Yes, by sharing my artistic talent with sick children. I am currently working as a volunteer at the Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa in Pretoria. Once a week, I teach children with cancer at the Steve Biko Hospital how to paint.

What are your plans for the coming year?
I am planning to have exhibitions in Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria, Cape Town and abroad.