Artist and designer Godlyn Lyte creates with authenticity
Godlyn Lyte cannot recall the precise moment when she resolved to pursue a career in art. She recollects that painting, drawing, and crafting with scrap fabrics were integral parts of her childhood. To the best of her memory, art always held a pivotal role in her life, and her mother endorsed her decision to pursue this craft once her academic achievements were on par.
At present, Lyte practises her craft across various mediums, excelling as a fashion designer, painter, jeweller, and sculptor. These diverse artistic outlets allow Lyte to express her unique individuality.
During her upbringing, Lyte was keenly aware of the erasure of African culture resulting from slavery and subsequent colonisation after its abolition. She sought to reconnect with her roots through her artistic expressions. Lyte explained that her art serves as “an ode to my ancestors and an appreciation for those who have gone before.”
Her research into West African culture, in particular, revealed a celebration rooted in nature, which has profoundly influenced both her professional and personal life. Lyte shares a deep affinity for spending time in nature, especially by the beach, where the ocean’s calming effect nurtures her mental and physical wellbeing. “There is nothing better than to just sit with trees, bask in sunlight, and gaze at the ocean. It reminds her that life does not need to be complex; it can be simple. When I am in nature, I am like a leaf blowing in the wind... I’m just allowing the wind to guide me without any resistance to what happens in life,” she said.
Lyte has encountered resistance to her chosen mode of expressing her African heritage. She explained that many perceive wearing traditional African attire as something reserved for special occasions like Emancipation Day or African events. Lyte, however, dons African wear from a place of authenticity rather than mere trendiness or a desire to stand out. It can be frustrating for her when people only view the Ankara fabric as a source of financial gain without appreciating its cultural and historical significance. She acknowledged there has been an increase in people wearing Ankaras, but feels that the appreciation remains superficial, with most not delving
into the deeper traditions and meanings of African fashion. She pointed out that African wear encompasses more than just fashion; it is deeply rooted in tradition. Unfortunately, due to the stripping of African culture during slavery and colonisation, some view these beliefs in a negative light and see them as evil, Lyte said.
Nonetheless, Lyte has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about African culture through art shows, photoshoots, and crafting African inspired attire for clients. One notable project involved her performing an Egungun dance ritual to honour her ancestors who were forcibly brought to the Americas via the slave trade. The entire photoshoot was titled “The Orishas.” Lyte explained that the Orishas are individuals who were chosen by God to become messengers due to their life’s journey. These individuals were not perfect, but they made efforts to become better versions of themselves when they made mistakes in life. This concept aligns with the core tenets of the African spiritual belief of Ifa. The positive response she received after posting the photographs on social media marked this project as one
of her proudest achievements.
The impact of her art on society is not lost on Lyte. She recounted an art show in Harlem where women approached her with feedback that made her realise her art was on the right path and far from a waste of time. Lyte said women, who had experienced sexual abuse, found that her art allowed them feel a reclamation of ownership of their bodies. She explained that the abuse had made these women feel as if the autonomy over their bodies had disappeared and it was the men who had ownership. She said her paintings had aimed to celebrate women who were not objectified in any way and could exist independently of male desires.
Using art to foster self-confidence and self-assurance is a goal Lyte aspires to achieve for herself and her clients. She derives immense pride from seeing someone wearing one of her pieces with newfound confidence and individuality. She believes that this self-assuredness can propel the fashion and art industry in Guyana forward. Lyte emphasised that being proud of