Natali Downing

About

Natali Downing (b. 1982) is a multidisciplinary artist based in Mossel Bay, South Africa. Recently, the artist has pivoted her focus towards painting. Downing’s work confronts both historical and contemporary social issues from a female perspective.

Statement

Natali Downing (b. 1982) is a multidisciplinary artist based in Mossel Bay, South Africa. Growing up as a bilingual white woman in post-apartheid South Africa, her personal experiences deeply influence her examination of social structures and inherited ideologies. She earned a Bachelor of Visual Art from the University of South Africa, graduating with distinction. Prior to her art studies in 2014, she completed an LLB degree at Unisa. Her practice is rooted in research, often beginning with visual diaries and an archive of images that serve as a foundation for her conceptual framework. This creative methodology was recognized by her lecturers and led to invitations to present her methodology at workshops throughout her academic and professional journey. During her studies, Downing also worked as an artist’s production assistant and a workshop facilitator. In 2022, she participated in the Turbine Art Fair mentorship programme as a mentee. She has participated in several group exhibitions since graduating. Downing has also been teaching art classes to adults and conducting creative workshops for the past few years, sharing her expertise in diverse mediums and techniques. Recently, the artist has pivoted her focus towards painting. Downing’s work confronts both historical and contemporary social issues from a female perspective. Currently living in a more conservative, largely white Afrikaner community, she utilizes her practice to critically examine her own positionality—questioning inherited belief systems and social dynamics with nuance, humour, and empathy.

Education

• 2019Bachelor of Visual Art , University of South Africa , Pretoria
• 2008Law , University of South Africa , Pretoria

Exhibitions

Recognition

Commissions