Natali Downing
natali.downing.artist
@natalidowning
Artist Biography
Artist, Natali Downing, born in 1982, currently resides in Mossel bay, South Africa. She completed a Bachelor of Visual Art at the University of South Africa as a distinction student in 2019. Before commencing her studies in 2014, she completed an LLB degree also at Unisa. Her art practice stems from a research-led creative process. Previous works include knitted edifices, appliqué and sculptural installations, and photomontages.
Since 2017, she has worked part time as an production assistant for an artist and taught art at secondary and tertiary level while completing her studies. She has also presented lectures on her creative methodology to fellow Unisa students and at several workshops. She feels that process and research in her art making is an area that specifically informs her work. Currently she is hosting various workshops in her area and enjoys creating curriculums and content for them. During the week she presents several freeform art classes at her home studio.
Downing has participated in several group exhibitions including ‘Is ons nog ‘n ding?’ at the Klein Karoo National Art festival in 2023. In 2022, she participated in a mentorship programme and exhibited at the Turbine Art fair ‘Unearthed Project’ Booth. Before that she exhibited in ‘The For Sale Project’ at the Pretoria art Museum in 2019.
Curriculum Vitae
LLB 2008 University of South Africa
Bachelors of Visual Arts 2019 University of South Africa
2023- Current - Host of art related workshops and adult art classes
December 2016-Oct 2021 - Part time Production Assistant, Artist Lawrence Lemoana
2017-2019 - Guest lecturer Unisa 2nd and 3rd Level Workshops
May 2019 - Visual Arts Workshop, Speaker and facilitator, UFS & Free State Art Collective, BFN.
Locum Art Teacher - Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge, 2017
Merit Award for Excellence 2019 University of South Africa
Merit Award Internship and Community service 2018 University of South Africa
Group Exhibitions
2023
Is Ons Nog ‘n Ding?, Klein Karoo Nationale Kunstefees, Oudsthoorn.
2022
Unearthed Mentorship Programme, Turbine Art Fair, Rosebank, JHB.
2021
The Viewing Room Gallery- Interlace, Brooklyn, PTA.
Thread(ed): interlacing womxn in the 21st century. Arts Association PTA.
2020
The Viewing Room Gallery-December-January Group, Brooklyn, PTA.
The Viewing Room Gallery- Unburdened Wilderness, Brooklyn, PTA.
2019
The Unexpected: The Viewing Room Gallery,Brooklyn, PTA.
Student Exhibition, Arts Association of Pretoria,Brooklyn, PTA.
Breaking Down The Walls Student Exhibition, Arts Association PTA.
The For Sale Project, Pretoria Art Museum, PTA.
Above: Work in progress. Natali Downing, Kom Ons Braai Saam Pa. 2023. Oil based enamel on Found Mirror. 101cm x 47,5cm. Framed in Kiaat
Above: Natali Downing, Kom Ons Braai. 2023. Oil based enamel on Found Mirror. 101cm x 47,5cm. Framed in Kiaat
Above: Natali Downing, Pille Vir Kersfees. 2023. Oil based enamela a on Found Mirror. 101cm x 47,5cm. Framed in Kiaat
Above: Natali Downing, Wys My Jou Vleis. 2023. Oil based enamel on Framed Found Mirror. 66cm x 52,5cm.
Above: Natali Downing, Family Portrait I-IV. 2021 -2023. Oil based enamel on Found Mirror. 17,2cm x 17,2cm each. Framed in Kiaat.
SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES (2019)
Above: Natali Downing. Hell’s Kitchen. 2019. Digital photograph on Photorag. 594mmx415mm
Frucinni
Above: Natali Downing. Daylight Robbery. 2019. Digital photograph on Photorag. 531mmx420mm
Above: Natali Downing. Stab, Stab, Stab. 2019. Digital photograph on Photorag. 570mmx420mm
Above: Natali Downing. Hit Me Baby One More Time. 2019. Digital photograph on Photorag. 570mmx420mm
Right: Natali Downing. No Guns, No Money. 2019. Digital photograph on Photorag. 537mmx420mm
Left: Natali Downing. House Invasion. 2019. Digital photograph on Photorag. 594mmx330mm
Right: Natali Downing. The Party isn’t Over Till The Cat Lady Dies. 2019. Digital photograph on Photorag. 594mmx415mm
Left: Natali Downing. Bathrooom Boogey. 2019. Digital photograph on Photorag.
561mmx420mm
From above,across to next page; Natali Downing. Something Wicked This Way Comes. 2019. Installation View and Detail. Dimesions Variable. Video, Calico, newspaper and found objects, Pantyhose, paint and microfibre stuffing.
I have no interest in pursuing this further, Turbine Art Fair Unearthed project
Above: Natali Downing, I have No interest in pursuing this further. 2022. Knitted Pantyhose, Found Mirror, Found frames and Printed Canvas. Dimensions Variable.
Media
Interviews
Radio Interview- RSG Kuns, Interview about 4th years Installation, Unisa Gallery, by Christelle Webb Joubert-7 December 2019
2024 Mosselbay Advertiser
2023 TurbineArt Fair Unearthed mentorship project - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X2ozU_uu58Mf4_4eZNl4ZwrA5AoMyBAU/view?usp=sharing
Natali Downing
@natalidowning
natali.downing.artist
Email: natalidowning@gmail.com
Phone: +27 84 251-2855