Natoya
Ellis
Artist Statement
Natoya Ellis is a Jamaican-Canadian artist based in the Fraser Valley region of British Columbia, Canada. Her work explores the nuances of identity, culture, and social justice through portrait work, installation art, and Black woman issues. Her artistic practice is driven by a desire to challenge conventional norms of beauty, power, and privilege and to create a space where afrocentricity can be seen and appreciated .
Natoya's portrait work explores the intersection of race, gender, and identity. Using bold colors, textures, and patterns, she captures the essence of her subjects and invites the viewer to contemplate the complexities of the human experience. Her installation art, is immersive and experiential, often featuring multimedia elements that engage the senses and spark conversation around issues of social justice and equity.
As a Black woman artist, Natoya is particularly attuned to the unique challenges and experiences Black women face in society. Her work explores the intersections of race and gender and how these intersecting identities shape our perceptions of self and others. Through her art, Natoya hopes to challenge stereotypes and expand our understanding of what it means to be a Black woman in the society.
Education
2005
Studio Art Diploma, Capilano University
2015
The American South: Its Stories Music and Art Certificate - University Of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill
2022
BFA, University Of The Fraser Valley - School of Creative Arts
Publications
2021
Black Artist Research Space,
Vancouver Sun, Art Online
2021
2020
Vancouver Sun, Black Influencers
2020
Paperblanks, 10 Questions with Natoya
2006
UBC Press, Cover Art - We Have A Voice: An Anthology of African and Caribbean Student Writing in British Columbia
2005
North Shore News,
Article - Syncopated Soul Review
Exhibitions
Solo
2011
2007
2005
New Life Rising - Calabash Bistro - Vancouver
The Untitled Show - Cafe De Soliel - Vancouver
"Never Understood Nothing" The Lotus - Vancouver, Canada
Group Shows (selected)
2023
Wear it Well, Translink Commission
2022
Abbotsford Art & Wine Walk, Abbotsford, B.C., Canada
2022
Interpret Festival, UFV, Abbotsford B.C., Canada
Diversion, Mission Arts Council B.C. Canada
2019
2022
The Watercolour Show, Gallery 202, Mission, B.C., Canada
2019
Modern Surrealism, Harrison's Hot Spring Arts Council, B.C., Canada
2018
2018
Art at the Authority, Mission B.C., Canada
Water, Mission Arts Council, Mission B.C., Canada
2017
2017
2016
49 to 74, Murbury Gallery, New York City, U.S.A., Canada
Art 4 Life, Port Moody Arts Council, Port Moody B.C., Canada
Anonymous Show - North Vancouver Arts Council, North Vancouver, Canada
2016
2005
Art Of Photography - Harmony Arts Festival -West Vancouver, Canada
Syncopated Soul - District Of North Vancouver, North Vancouver, Canada
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