celebrating the artistry and vision of Chicago’s Natalie Osbourne: A Tribute to contemporary black femininity

Natalie Osborne, a Chicago-based artist, breathes life into contemporary representations of black women through her vibrant and captivating paintings. Her artistic journey, inspired by a blend of graffiti, fashion, and art history, blossomed during her pursuit of a BFA at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Osborne's exceptional talent has gained widespread recognition, earning features in esteemed publications like InStyle Mag and The Cut, captivating the interests of numerous interior designers.

Osborne's journey as an artist evolved from a young age, nurtured by experiences in high school art classes and later thriving during her tenure at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Over time, she transitioned from selling paintings at art sales to making the bold leap to pursue art full-time. The creation process varies, with acrylic-based pieces taking less time while oil paintings demand meticulous care and sometimes extend over weeks or months due to the medium's intricacy and unforgiving nature.

Passionate about highlighting the essence of black women, Osborne's paintings often depict various archetypes inspired by her family and community. Her work is a tribute to the women she grew up with, reflecting a specific beauty and style that she attributes to them, aiming to represent and preserve the essence of her home.

Osborne's dedication to representing black women in a modern, empowering light is evident in her canvas. Each stroke echoes a celebration of contemporary black femininity, weaving together influences and visions that speak volumes. Her commitment to continual growth in the ever-evolving realm of contemporary art is an inspiration.

The diverse influences in Osborne's artistry stem from artists like Basquiat, Picasso, Ellsworth Kelly, Faith Ringgold, and Murakami. Additionally, her childhood exposure to cartoons and advertising imagery resonates within her work, evident in the vibrant colors reminiscent of beloved childhood cartoons and eye-catching packaging.

Her creative process involves mentally connecting with her roots, channeling memories of her old neighborhood or her grandmother's house to infuse authenticity into her art. Osborne's exploration with oil paints has expanded her artistic horizons, enabling her to construct three-dimensional shapes that fuel new ideas and potentially pave the way for new artistic directions.

Navigating the art world presents challenges, especially when reliant on the sale of original paintings for consistent income. Osborne faces the task of maintaining production levels while upholding quality—a challenge she embraces as an avenue for constant growth and improvement, never wavering in her dedication.

Envisioning future artistic ventures, Osborne dreams of a collaboration with the renowned artist Takashi Murakami. She envisions a fusion where Murakami's iconic artistic elements intersect with the vibrant, empowered women depicted in her paintings, potentially materializing as immersive installations or animated collaborations that defy conventional artistic boundaries.

Acknowledging her paintings' recurring motifs, Osborne often references the imagery of Josephine Baker, incorporating elements akin to graffiti's repetitive character tags. Her exploration of personal connections within her art reveals that many of her pieces inadvertently resemble her mother, a reflection of the strong women who influenced her upbringing.

Despite her pieces predominantly featuring women, Osborne acknowledges her brothers' sense of feeling left out, aiming to showcase diverse representations while navigating the historical underrepresentation of black women in art history. Her ambition is to redefine the boundaries of art, aiming to elevate black women's visibility and representation in galleries and museums.

Osborne's collaboration with British poet Warsan Shire for the book "Bless the Daughter—Raised By A Voice In Her Head" marked a proud achievement, showcasing her artistry on an international platform.

Looking ahead, Osborne plans to continue expanding her artistic horizons, exploring larger-scale pieces while maintaining accessible artwork. She aims to balance her artistic growth by offering original paintings and prints to her audience.

In tribute to the powerful creative women of Nairobi, Osborne's artwork now graces the walls of our artist’s residence in Kilifi, Kenya, honoring the city's dynamic and influential women.

Natalie Osborne's artistic journey is a testament to resilience, dedication, and a commitment to empowering representations in the realm of contemporary art. Her vibrant, empowering depictions of black women serve as an inspiration and a beacon of representation for generations to come.