In Conversation With Helen Zeray

​”I didn't set out to be an artist or a painter”, Helen reflects on her roots. "What truly drives me is the process of creating something. I was drawn to exploring various media, any way of bringing my idea to life.” Whether through painting, photography, or collage, Helen views her passion as an evolving journey. ”In the future, it could be sculpture or music. I don’t know. It’s about the curiosity to experiment, not the medium itself.” Embracing curiosity and dedicating herself to exploration is what fuels her passion for creation, keeping her artistic vision fresh and distinct. 

​Born and raised in Adis Ababa, Ethiopia, Helen’s love for the arts was always present. However, her formal education in the arts began when she studied under artist and teacher Yidnkachew Mulugetta after enrolling in his art class at the New Bright Community Development Center (NBCDC) for youths in Addis Ababa.  

​Helen notes how her environment shaped her: ”[Growing up] in Ethiopia, a [country] with a rich heritage, shaped my journey as an ’artistic’ (art was all around me, you see), from the techniques I used, to the vision I had, to the vibrant colour palette that reflects the beauty of my homeland. You can see this influence in my previous works as well, which are predominantly landscape: typical Ethiopian agricultural landscape. But now, living abroad in Israel, I found my work evolving new ways, as I observe a different culture, language and a way of life. This experience allows me to see and shape my art in a different way. I guess, it changes my art and influences my art, ’it’ being my environment of course.”  

​For Helen, identity is both an inspiration and a concept she questions: ”Especially considering my background, I try to see things on two different planes.” 

​On one hand, she rejects the notion of identity: ”It may seem odd what I am about to say, but I try to live without an identity. I really try to avoid it (unless I have to by force). Why, may you ask? The idea of identity in the messed-up world we live in is something I don’t subscribe to – especially if it’s supposed to demarcate people in a borderline way.” 

​Yet, while acknowledging the duality of identity, she admits it is a reality she cannot avoid: ”To give you an example, my identity as an African and Ethiopian within Israel, is something I have to accept. So, of course my identity will affect both who I am as well as my art”. She continues, ”I may face challenges based on my identity, let's say if I take certain facets of my identity: it could be as a woman, as an Ethiopian living in Israel, I could go on. However, I have more benefits than challenges in my identity. With the fact that I am Ethiopian, I am benefitted since I come from a country rich in culture (we have so many different cultural groups in Ethiopia, you know?). So, coming to Israel and seeing a different and new culture did not surprise me. This has benefitted me. So, while I try to avoid the idea of identity altogether, I see it more in a positive light.” 

​In her View from Beyond series, Helen invites her audience to see beyond the surface. This ”view from beyond“ shapes her approach to both art and life in general. Explaining the process of creating the piece she‘s most proud of, View from Beyond 005, Helen notes, ”This series of works delves into the concept of time and the relationship with the world of nature. “

Helen explains, ”In this process, I incorporate microphotography of flowers and plants in their bloom. I use the microphotographs as a collage and combine it with acrylic.“ She continues, ”In this specific piece, View From Beyond 005, I just use photography. I try to create a visual experience, capturing the textures, colors and patterns of nature, while creating a trick. Or what I like to call, introducing the eye of confusion; leading to my audience to ask, what is photography, and what is not?“ The concept of shifting perspectives is central to the series, as she explains, ”This series denotes playing with perspective, and I wish to remind the viewer to see things from different perspectives.“ She emphasises, ”Not all is what it seems. It is a beautiful thing when we see from beyond. Observe more, ask more, and don’t just accept what anyone says about your identity. Not everything is what it seems - there's a lot behind it.” 

​View from Beyond 005 is more than an invitation to consider a unique perspective; it is also a reminder to the artist to rediscover her own work from a fresh perspective:  "It might be funny, the story behind this piece, “ she laughs.” I was so on deadline to create this artwork for my solo exhibition. So, after I finished, I did not have the chance to see and feel what the final looks like. I only had the chance to see it at the exhibition while waiting for my friend. When I saw it, it felt like I was not the person that created it, I was like, ‘Did I do that?!’“ she jokes.  ”When I noticed it at the exhibition, I started seeing different movements and figures, which I didn't notice while making it, so I think this piece continues to make me prouder and more amazed.” 

Lessons learned for a brighter future

​For any artist, navigating the creative journey comes with its own set of challenges. For Helen, one of the struggles in her creative career has been balancing artistic expression with the pressures of the art world.  ​"Artists often face pressure to address political or cultural issues in their work. While some find it meaningful, others —like myself- can feel overwhelmed, “ she explains. ”Another major challenge is balancing art and business. My friends and I are highly creative, but lacking the business skills needed for tasks like networking or managing finances can make sustaining an art career difficult."