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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

Contact Me

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