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.

Godine received an MFA from Boston University in 2020, having previously studied at the Abyssinia School of Fine Art and Design, and the Ale School of Fine Art and Design, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Godine’s first institutional exhibition opened at the National Museum of Ethiopia in April 2021, followed by a two-gallery solo exhibition at Fridman Gallery and Rachel Uffner Gallery in 2022. Her paintings are in the collections of the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, DC, Inhotim Museum in Brazil, and the Sharjah Foundation, UAE.