Nathalie Gribinski
CHICAGO, IL United States ![]()
« I paint as I Iive » My art is an extension of my being—crafted with enthusiasm, resolve, honesty, and liberation. Creating is my lifeblood—it grants me breath, room for play, and the ultimate freedom. Each piece is born of necessity and... More
Artist Statement:
« I paint as I Iive »
My art is an extension of my being—crafted with enthusiasm, resolve, honesty, and liberation.
Creating is my lifeblood—it grants me breath, room for play, and the ultimate freedom. Each piece is born of necessity and culminates in fulfillment. I aspire to shatter the confines and drudgery of the mundane and to infuse each canvas with a visceral sense of excitement and emotion.
I strive for balance, seeking symmetry and sensuous elegance in the interplay of light and shadow, space and form. My background in design has deepened my intrigue with the potency of lines and shapes, colors and contours, and how they come together to create a visual symphony akin to a musical composition.
In my studio, where quietude is a stranger, music orchestrates the dance of my brush. It sculpts my feelings that then infuse the essence of my art, compelling me to drench the canvas in vibrant, intense colors.
Take, for instance, my signature series, “Tourlicoulis.” Here, you can witness the dynamic ballet of shapes and hues; each piece is a testament to this harmonious chaos.
My approach to art is as intuitive as it is unpredictable, driven by the raw currents of my emotions. The evolution of my work mirrors life’s ebb and flow, its trials and triumphs. “Mistakes” are not setbacks but subconscious whispers guiding my hand in unexpected, thrilling directions.
Join me in this journey. Each canvas is an experiential gateway to the symphony of music, emotion, and chromatic vivacity as lived through my eyes.
My art is an extension of my being—crafted with enthusiasm, resolve, honesty, and liberation.
Creating is my lifeblood—it grants me breath, room for play, and the ultimate freedom. Each piece is born of necessity and culminates in fulfillment. I aspire to shatter the confines and drudgery of the mundane and to infuse each canvas with a visceral sense of excitement and emotion.
I strive for balance, seeking symmetry and sensuous elegance in the interplay of light and shadow, space and form. My background in design has deepened my intrigue with the potency of lines and shapes, colors and contours, and how they come together to create a visual symphony akin to a musical composition.
In my studio, where quietude is a stranger, music orchestrates the dance of my brush. It sculpts my feelings that then infuse the essence of my art, compelling me to drench the canvas in vibrant, intense colors.
Take, for instance, my signature series, “Tourlicoulis.” Here, you can witness the dynamic ballet of shapes and hues; each piece is a testament to this harmonious chaos.
My approach to art is as intuitive as it is unpredictable, driven by the raw currents of my emotions. The evolution of my work mirrors life’s ebb and flow, its trials and triumphs. “Mistakes” are not setbacks but subconscious whispers guiding my hand in unexpected, thrilling directions.
Join me in this journey. Each canvas is an experiential gateway to the symphony of music, emotion, and chromatic vivacity as lived through my eyes.
Education:
Columbia College, Chicago, USA | 1994
B.A. of Arts
Roosevelt University, Chicago, USA | 1992
English, Continued studies in Arts
Assas University, Paris, France | 1991
B.A. of Science
B.A. of Arts
Roosevelt University, Chicago, USA | 1992
English, Continued studies in Arts
Assas University, Paris, France | 1991
B.A. of Science
Awards & Distinctions:
• Camelback Gallery: “Shades of Blue”| Finalist with “Do you want to play with me?” | 2020
• Artavita: “2020 art competition” | Finalist | 2020
• Camelback Gallery: “Bold abstracts” | Finalist with “The myst of Fire” | 2020
• Contemporary Art Gallery Online: “All Colors” | 4th place with “Summer Garden” | 2018
• Contemporary Art Gallery Online: “All abstraction” | 1st place with “Fire River” | 2018
• Camelback Gallery: “Abstract Art” | Finalist | 2018
• Artavita: “2020 art competition” | Finalist | 2020
• Camelback Gallery: “Bold abstracts” | Finalist with “The myst of Fire” | 2020
• Contemporary Art Gallery Online: “All Colors” | 4th place with “Summer Garden” | 2018
• Contemporary Art Gallery Online: “All abstraction” | 1st place with “Fire River” | 2018
• Camelback Gallery: “Abstract Art” | Finalist | 2018
Professional/Teaching Experience:
BIO
Nathalie Gribinski’s oeuvre delves into the rich landscape of human feelings, a testament to her emotional introspection. Her journey began in her native Algiers, Algeria, and later unfurled in the Parisian suburbs, where she relocated at six. The early vibrancy of Algeria left a lasting imprint, continually seeping into her art. A familial upheaval occurred when she was 14, with the loss of her father prompting their move to Paris.
Here, Gribinski engaged with legal studies and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Law. Following two attempts at the bar exam, she chose to embark on a transformative journey that led her to Chicago. In this new chapter, she achieved a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Graphic Design.
Gribinski’s Provencal vacations amidst the enchanting villages that captivated many artists for their luminous intensity and breathtaking scenery also profoundly influenced her palette and infused her work with authenticity.
Primarily self-educated in her artistic pursuits, Gribinski’s graphic design education has left an indelible mark on her artistic methods. Her art is a harmonious blend of abstract expressionism and contemporary surrealism, characterized by bold palettes and the dynamic
orchestration of shapes and lines. Her diverse creative repertoire spans multiple mediums, including charcoal, watercolor, gouache, ink, oil markers, and acrylics.
Her profoundly personal art is enriched by the legacy of artistic luminaries such as Van Gogh, Picasso, Miro, Dali, and Kandinsky.
The encouragement and inspiration she received from her elder brother, who stepped into the role of a guiding figure in her life, played a pivotal part in her artistic development. The vibrancy and spirit of her work are further amplified by her diverse experiences spanning three continents, infusing her paintings with a dynamic and exuberant vitality.
In the past ten years, Gribinski’s art has been featured in numerous solo and collective exhibitions in Chicago and France, especially in Provence.
Her work has been celebrated for its expressive force and technical virtuosity, bringing her acclaim in art contests around the world. A memorable highlight was earning a trip to Paris for an illustration shortly after completing her studies.
A landmark achievement in her career was the acquisition of her work by Christine Ruiz Picasso, which included a piece from Gribinski’s signature “Tourlicoulis” series, a vote of confidence that has solidified her artistic path. Known for its fluid grace and whimsicality, the “Tourlicoulis” series showcases playful shapes that evolve into explosive, dreamlike compositions.
The COVID era sparked Gribinski’s imagination, resulting in a collection of works depicting animals and fantastical creatures, which have been transformed into a book and giclée prints.
Gazing into the horizon, Gribinski is eager to embrace new creative endeavors and is particularly interested in crafting murals within the vibrant tapestries of urban settings. Painting is not merely a profession for her—it’s a compelling life force, an essential thread in the fabric of her identity, and a means to touch others in their search for liberation.
Nathalie Gribinski’s oeuvre delves into the rich landscape of human feelings, a testament to her emotional introspection. Her journey began in her native Algiers, Algeria, and later unfurled in the Parisian suburbs, where she relocated at six. The early vibrancy of Algeria left a lasting imprint, continually seeping into her art. A familial upheaval occurred when she was 14, with the loss of her father prompting their move to Paris.
Here, Gribinski engaged with legal studies and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Law. Following two attempts at the bar exam, she chose to embark on a transformative journey that led her to Chicago. In this new chapter, she achieved a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Graphic Design.
Gribinski’s Provencal vacations amidst the enchanting villages that captivated many artists for their luminous intensity and breathtaking scenery also profoundly influenced her palette and infused her work with authenticity.
Primarily self-educated in her artistic pursuits, Gribinski’s graphic design education has left an indelible mark on her artistic methods. Her art is a harmonious blend of abstract expressionism and contemporary surrealism, characterized by bold palettes and the dynamic
orchestration of shapes and lines. Her diverse creative repertoire spans multiple mediums, including charcoal, watercolor, gouache, ink, oil markers, and acrylics.
Her profoundly personal art is enriched by the legacy of artistic luminaries such as Van Gogh, Picasso, Miro, Dali, and Kandinsky.
The encouragement and inspiration she received from her elder brother, who stepped into the role of a guiding figure in her life, played a pivotal part in her artistic development. The vibrancy and spirit of her work are further amplified by her diverse experiences spanning three continents, infusing her paintings with a dynamic and exuberant vitality.
In the past ten years, Gribinski’s art has been featured in numerous solo and collective exhibitions in Chicago and France, especially in Provence.
Her work has been celebrated for its expressive force and technical virtuosity, bringing her acclaim in art contests around the world. A memorable highlight was earning a trip to Paris for an illustration shortly after completing her studies.
A landmark achievement in her career was the acquisition of her work by Christine Ruiz Picasso, which included a piece from Gribinski’s signature “Tourlicoulis” series, a vote of confidence that has solidified her artistic path. Known for its fluid grace and whimsicality, the “Tourlicoulis” series showcases playful shapes that evolve into explosive, dreamlike compositions.
The COVID era sparked Gribinski’s imagination, resulting in a collection of works depicting animals and fantastical creatures, which have been transformed into a book and giclée prints.
Gazing into the horizon, Gribinski is eager to embrace new creative endeavors and is particularly interested in crafting murals within the vibrant tapestries of urban settings. Painting is not merely a profession for her—it’s a compelling life force, an essential thread in the fabric of her identity, and a means to touch others in their search for liberation.
Exhibitions:
Solo exhibits:
• “Dances of Colors,” The Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Arts, Chicago, USA | 2024
• “Les Tourlicoulis: A 30 Years Retrospective”, Povos Gallery, Chicago, USA | 2022
• “Never Out of Shapes,” Fulton Market Kitchen, Chicago, USA | 2021
• “The Sacred Woman,” The Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Arts, Chicago, USA | 2019
• “Tourlicoulis d’Aujourd’hui,” private space, Chicago, USA | 2015
• “Ebullition Two,” State Street Gallery, Chicago, USA | 2007
• “Ebullition,” Expgallery, Chicago, USA | 2006
• “Peintures et Tourlicoulis,” La Chapelle Saint Férréol, Provence, France | 2005
• “Aventures des Tourlicoulis,” private space, Chicago, USA | 2005
Group exhibits:
• “Bloom,” Povos Gallery, Chicago, USA | 2023
• “Art and Interiors,” ALMA art and interiors, Chicago, USA | 2021
• “DressMe – Milano Fashion Week,” (virtual exhibit) M.A.D.S. Gallery Milano, Milan, Italy | 2020
• “What’s Yours Is Mine,” Columbia College, Chicago, USA | 2015
• “Time Signatures,” Coalition Gallery, Chicago, USA | 2012
• “Constructive Characters,” Coalition Gallery, Chicago, USA | 2011
• “Bright New Talent,” Coalition Gallery, Chicago, USA | 2010
• “Les flâneries d’Art dans les Jardins Aixois,” Provence, France | 2010
• “Les Tourlicoulis de France,” Gallery 1633, Chicago, USA | 2002
Juried Art Fairs
• The Other Art Fair, Saatchi, Chicago, USA | 2022
• Printer’s Row Art Fest, Amdur Production, Chicago, USA | 2022
• Gold Coast Art Fair, Amdur Production, Chicago, USA | 2022
• Barrington Art Fair, Amdur Production, Barrington, USA | 2022
• Gold Coast Virtual Art Fest, Amdur Production, Chicago, USA | 2020
• Arlington Heights Virtual Art Fest, Amdur Production, Chicago, USA | 2020
Live Art Performances
• Fulton Market Kitchen, ”A Night in Paris,” Chicago, USA | 2022
• Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare, Chicago, USA | 2009
• Chicago Homeless Coalition, Chicago, USA | 2009
• “Dances of Colors,” The Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Arts, Chicago, USA | 2024
• “Les Tourlicoulis: A 30 Years Retrospective”, Povos Gallery, Chicago, USA | 2022
• “Never Out of Shapes,” Fulton Market Kitchen, Chicago, USA | 2021
• “The Sacred Woman,” The Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Arts, Chicago, USA | 2019
• “Tourlicoulis d’Aujourd’hui,” private space, Chicago, USA | 2015
• “Ebullition Two,” State Street Gallery, Chicago, USA | 2007
• “Ebullition,” Expgallery, Chicago, USA | 2006
• “Peintures et Tourlicoulis,” La Chapelle Saint Férréol, Provence, France | 2005
• “Aventures des Tourlicoulis,” private space, Chicago, USA | 2005
Group exhibits:
• “Bloom,” Povos Gallery, Chicago, USA | 2023
• “Art and Interiors,” ALMA art and interiors, Chicago, USA | 2021
• “DressMe – Milano Fashion Week,” (virtual exhibit) M.A.D.S. Gallery Milano, Milan, Italy | 2020
• “What’s Yours Is Mine,” Columbia College, Chicago, USA | 2015
• “Time Signatures,” Coalition Gallery, Chicago, USA | 2012
• “Constructive Characters,” Coalition Gallery, Chicago, USA | 2011
• “Bright New Talent,” Coalition Gallery, Chicago, USA | 2010
• “Les flâneries d’Art dans les Jardins Aixois,” Provence, France | 2010
• “Les Tourlicoulis de France,” Gallery 1633, Chicago, USA | 2002
Juried Art Fairs
• The Other Art Fair, Saatchi, Chicago, USA | 2022
• Printer’s Row Art Fest, Amdur Production, Chicago, USA | 2022
• Gold Coast Art Fair, Amdur Production, Chicago, USA | 2022
• Barrington Art Fair, Amdur Production, Barrington, USA | 2022
• Gold Coast Virtual Art Fest, Amdur Production, Chicago, USA | 2020
• Arlington Heights Virtual Art Fest, Amdur Production, Chicago, USA | 2020
Live Art Performances
• Fulton Market Kitchen, ”A Night in Paris,” Chicago, USA | 2022
• Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare, Chicago, USA | 2009
• Chicago Homeless Coalition, Chicago, USA | 2009
Artistic Influences:
My artistic expression is deeply rooted in a tapestry of experiences and inspirations that have shaped my journey through life. The profound impact of artists like Kandinsky, Miro, Picasso, Cezanne, Van Gogh, and Klee is evident in my approach to color and form, leaving an indelible mark on my creations. The vibrant landscapes of my childhood in Provence also play a crucial role, lending their luminous energy and natural palette to my work, echoing the region’s light and beauty.
Yet, it’s not just the world around me that influences my art; the personal connections I’ve nurtured hold significant sway, particularly the relationship with my brother. His insights and critiques have guided my creative endeavors and enriched my artistic vision.
This rich mosaic of influences — from the masters of art to the natural splendor of Provence and the intimate bond with my brother — merges to define the unique aesthetic of my paintings. Together, they weave the ongoing narrative of my art, reflecting not only the external sources of inspiration but also the inner journey and the relationships that continue to shape me.
Yet, it’s not just the world around me that influences my art; the personal connections I’ve nurtured hold significant sway, particularly the relationship with my brother. His insights and critiques have guided my creative endeavors and enriched my artistic vision.
This rich mosaic of influences — from the masters of art to the natural splendor of Provence and the intimate bond with my brother — merges to define the unique aesthetic of my paintings. Together, they weave the ongoing narrative of my art, reflecting not only the external sources of inspiration but also the inner journey and the relationships that continue to shape me.
Artist Tags:
colorful, emotional, passionate, musical, whimsical, playful
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