Lemma Guya stood out among his friends for his passion for art, often practicing his painting and sculpting skills on the walls of his family home using a mixture of soil, lime, and ashes. His unique sculptures earned him admiration and respect from his parents, neighbors, and friends due to his remarkable talent.
Born in 1921 in Ada’a Liben woreda to Mr. Guya Gemeda and Mare Gobena, Lemma spent his early years engaged in traditional games such as sword fighting, boxing, climbing trees, and swimming. However, when the time came for formal education, Lemma did not attend school right away; instead, he was tasked with herding cattle, as was customary in his family. Eventually, due to the encouragement of a family friend, he began attending school at the age of 14 in Bishooftu. In 1943, he was admitted to the Adama Teachers Training College but left to pursue his interest in the military by joining the Ethiopian Air Force. Throughout this period, he continued to hone his artistic skills, creating various drawings.
In the Air Force, Lemma trained as a general mechanic and later became an airplane technician. Despite having a stable job and a good salary, he remained dedicated to developing his artistic abilities, learning from Italian artists along the way. In 1983, he established the Lemma Guya Art Gallery in Bishoftu, a project granted to him by the late Emperor Haile Selassie. The gallery eventually evolved into an African arts and training museum, attracting aspiring African artists who came to study there. Lemma insisted that it be known as Lemma Guya Art Gallery, where regular exhibitions were held, drawing both local visitors and tourists from abroad.
Through his art, Lemma aims to educate students about their culture and traditions during their free time. He invites them to the gallery and shares insights about the various exhibits, fostering a deeper appreciation for their heritage. Lemma has become an inspirational figure and a hero to the younger generation, encouraging them to connect with their roots and instilling a sense of belonging.
Recognized as Ethiopia’s most celebrated painter, Lemma Guya's works have profoundly impacted many lives. He is known for pioneering skin-mounted portraits and creating representations of various Heads of State across Africa. In acknowledgment of his extraordinary contributions to society and exceptional achievements, Jimma University awarded him an honorary degree during its annual Convocation ceremony in 2015.