Natoya
Ellis
Artist Statement
Natoya is a multidisciplinary artist using mixed media and installations to normalizing black womanhood in contemporary spaces. Natoya's work examines the stereotypes associated with how Blackness is often perceived in the spaces she occupies. She believes, In order to bring into context the present, we must revisits the pass by acquiring documents such as proof of the sale of slaves and children. Using these historical findings as a point of reference, she incorporates archived documents in her large collage pieces with Black figures silhouetted among the findings. She is giving a visual representation of a black body that would otherwise be lost with time.
Natoya's portrait of black women is posed in front of simplified and deconstructed backgrounds rendering in a way that the viewer is faced with all the micro emotions of the piece. These paintings and illustrations explore the nuances of Black beauty and mental illness perpetuated by the stereotype of matriarchal strength. They discuss a variety of troubling subjects such as rape, kidnapping, forced marriages and changed identities.
In her sculptures and installation, she utilizes various mixed media techniques to tell of the uniqueness of being a woman and Black, Discussing the tender subject of hair, hair types, hairstyles such as hair braiding and a return to Afrocentricity as well as caring for the melinanted skin.
These day to day ritualist habits are what sets the cultural pinnacle.
Her work serves as a cultural discussion, and Natoya invites us to view and humanize black bodies without the stereotype.
Education
2003 - 2005
Studio Art Diploma, Capilano University
2015 - 2015
The American South: Its Stories Music and Art Certificate - University Of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill
2018 - Present
BFA, University Of The Fraser Valley - School of Creative Arts
Publications
Black Artist Research Space,
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
Diversion, Mission Arts Council B.C. Canada
2019
2019
Modern Surrealism, Harrison's Hot Spring Arts Council, B.C., Canada
2018
Art at the Authority, Mission B.C., Canada
2018
Water, Mission Arts Council, Mission B.C., Canada
2017
49 to 74, Murbury Gallery, New York City, U.S.A., Canada
2017
Art 4 Life, Port Moody Arts Council, Port Moody B.C., Canada
2016
2016
2005
Anonymous Show - North Vancouver Arts Council, North Vancouver, Canada
Art Of Photography - Harmony Arts Festival -West Vancouver, Canada
Syncopated Soul - District Of North Vancouver, North Vancouver, Canada
Contact Me