Chilli Art Projects presents ‘Between The Horizon & The Echo’, by Richard Nattoo, on display until November 26th.

Richard Nattoo, born in 1993 in Jamaica, is a renowned artist who studied Architecture at the University of Technology. His passion for the arts led him to become a full-time artist, showcasing his work at the National Gallery of Jamaica and in exhibitions in the UK and Ireland. Nattoo was awarded the 2020 Prime Minister Youth Award in Arts and Culture. His work, “Moonlight Meditations of Mama Nanny,” was featured at the Institute of Jamaica in 2022.

Nattoo’s art is a vibrant celebration of Akan, Taino, and Hindu spiritual elements, blending Jamaica, India, and Ghana. His work challenges conventional Western norms about a successful life and reimagines fragmented memories. The pieces feature an adult Wanderer and a child Magician, symbolizing the journey to rediscover childhood. Nattoo’s work blends various textures, including fireflies, and uses water as a recurring theme.

His work delves into his multifaceted identity, merging West African Akan, indigenous Taino, and Indo-Hindu influences. The blue-skinned figures, reminiscent of Hindu deities, symbolize a fusion of spiritual and cultural identities. Recurrent motifs include plants, symbolizing ancient medicinal knowledge, and a rabbit character, representing Nattoo’s childhood and personal connection to his name.

Chilli Art Projects, founded in 2021 by Aubrey Higgin, is a London-based gallery showcasing emerging African art. It collaborates with organizations like Creative Resilience International and offers mentorship to artists, promoting their careers.

Source: Chilli Art Projects