Nina Raber-Urgessa, contemporary figurative painter is selected for a solo debut show entitled “…THE WIFE OF…” opening Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 March at Moa Anbessa Art Studio Gallery in Kazanches, curated by Dr. ‘Mama Desta’ Meghoo. Born in Bodensee Southern Germany in 1982, Nina studied Art Therapy and worked extensively with abused women and refugees addressing trauma and healing through art in her country of birth. Her exhibition includes small to large size oil paintings of colorful contorted figures exemplifying trials and triumphs experienced by many women, personally and professionally. Bold and brassy, Nina expresses her strengths and vulnerabilities through provocative and impeccable fresh paint strokes in a range of pink flesh-colored tones. The exhibition is an artistic homage during Women’s Month acknowledging the strength of women worldwide.
Nina left her seashore home in 2004 to volunteer at an AIDS orphanage in Kwazulu Natal South Africa teaching art. “Seeing the strong impact of the freedom of art on the children…the effect of the power and influence of art on the mental health of the kids, I decided to study art therapy,” says Nina. Shortly after returning home, she began the journey and balancing act between motherhood, artist and bride, wed to Ethiopian painter Tesfaye Urgessa in 2011. Nina and the entire family of five; including three artistic children Zion, Zoe and Hawi; moved to her husband’s homeland, Ethiopia in 2022, to continue their voyage in art and life. The new chapter for Nina in the diplomatic capital of Africa is fueled by her desire to paint and help in the healing of women and children through art. The Urgessa’s plan to establish a space for art and healing in Langano, as “I too have experienced the need to heal and the road to recovery… my guiding philosophy is “turn your disagreement and pain into motivation,” shares Nina.
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