Natalie Esther: Looking Down

October 28 - December 10, 2022

• Exhibition
• Natalie Esther
• rOGUE Gallery

Looking Down allows the viewer to explore a calmness within as they themselves look down upon an exhibition that mirrors immersive introspection and human connection.

The traditional definition of “looking down” (onto something or someone) insinuates that one is more important than the object, or even to believe that it is not good enough for us. Within the lens of behavioural psychology, this concept can be seen as a psychosomatic relationship, where the behaviour of furrowing the brow or crossing the arms correlates with perpetual attitudes of contempt, resentment, or disdain. And, within the context of this work, may leave the individual with a negative outlook on openness, worthiness and curiosity.

Painted is the irony of this phrase, where the idea of “looking down” becomes something intrinsically valuable and necessary to getting through each day, and furthermore toward a state of being. Through six portraits and a short film this narration on the transcendence of stillness brings attention to the human/creativity symbiosis. Intentional practices ignite a flow state within that holds space for unconscious discovery, where we can gain a deeper trust in slow and still creation; often through working with our hands and eyes we end up working through ourselves.

This project aims to capture the nature of complex human beings in one simple moment – when one is encapsulated doing something they love, in the comfort of looking down.

Natalie is a self-taught oil painter born in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada. Natalie’s oil paintings combine bold and experimental details of visual realism while incorporating surrealistic elements. Her influences range from contemporary conceptual artists such as Miles Johnson and Jenn Mann to old masters like John Singer Sargent. Her artwork centres around how we identify and cherish our internal landscape.

At the age of 21, after completing a Bachelors of Science (Hons) degree in psychology, Natalie moved to Toronto, Ontario to follow her childhood dream of becoming an artist. This shift in location allowed her to become attuned to the disconnect between her true self and cultivated perception. She has spent the last couple of years dedicating her time towards self-discovery and art practice, leaning into the acceptance that both are inseparable from each other. She invites you to question the comfort of nature and the nature of comfort.

Natalie currently lives in St. John’s, Newfoundland where she plans to further explore and develop her art career through fine art prints, commissions and gallery exhibitions.

Join us on October 28th from 6:00-8:00PM for the opening reception of Looking Down! There will be snacks and refreshments!