Stipend of the:
As an Japanese-American biracial artist driven by experiences of loss and alienation, I am interested in the complexity of imitation and narration as art. By creating work existing in two disparate visual cultures, I investigate the binary and forge a context in which I continually recreate my identity.
My role as an artist is to explore the significance of identity while soliciting interaction through created visual connections. By re-contextualizing traditional oil painting methods with digital and artificial elements, I act as a mimetic instrument, further examining existence, reality, and classifications of spaces I inhabit.
Biography
b. 1992, Arlington, VA
Education
2016 – MFA in Painting, New York Academy of Art, New York, New York
2010 – 2014 BA in Painting & Drawing, Anderson University, Anderson, SC (cum laude)
Exhibitions
2017 Open Studios, New York Academy of Art, New York, NY
Tribeca Ball, New York Academy of Art, New York, NY
2016 Brandon Fellowship Exhibition, Greenville Center for Creative Arts, Greenville, SC
Telling Her Story, Greenville Center for Creative Arts, Greenville, SC
2015 SELFIE, Clemson University Center for Visual Arts, Greenville, SC; curator: Kara Blanken
THE FL3TCH3R EXHIBIT, The Reece Museum, Johnson City, TN; curator: Joyce Ogden
2014 Twenty-Three Sisters, Gallery 1308, Madison, WI; curator: Katie Garth
Debbie Millman Workshop Exhibition, Anderson Arts Center, Anderson, SC
2nd Annual Collegiate Invitational, Spartanburg County Library, Spartanburg, SC; juror:
Frank Thompson
Senior Show, Anderson University, Anderson, SC
2013 Annual Wall-Mountables, D.C. Arts Center, Washington, DC; juror: B. Stanley
1st Annual Collegiate Invitational, Spartanburg County Library, Spartanburg, SC, juror:
Sydney A. Cross
2012 Who: Two-Person Show with Lucy Nordlinger, The Velo Fellow, Greenville, SC
Awards + Honors + Residencies
2017 Leipzig International Art Programme (LIA) Residency, Leipzig, Germany
2016 Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Grant**
Academy Scholar Award, New York Academy of Art, New York, NY
2015 Brandon Fellowship Recipient, The Greenville Center for Creative Arts, Greenville, SC
2014 Outstanding Student in Painting & Drawing, Anderson University, Anderson, SC
First Place, 2nd Annual Collegiate Invitational, Spartanburg County Library, Spartanburg, SC
2013 Best Use of Space Award, Annual Wall-Mountables Show, D.C. Arts Center, Washington, D.C.
2010 Art Scholarship/Academic Scholarship, Anderson University, Anderson, S.C.
2009 Silver Award (National Level), Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, New York, New York
**Naomi Nakazato wishes to thank The Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation for it’s financial support.
Selected Bibliography
2016 Greenville Journal, vol. 18, no. 32
2014 Ivy Leaves, Literary Journal of Literature and Art, vol. 89, Artist Spotlight
Forge Art Magazine, vol. 3
2013 Ivy Leaves, Literary Journal of Literature and Art, vol. 88, page 26- 27, 112-113
2012 Ivy Leaves, Literary Journal of Literature and Art, vol. 87, logo design and photography,
page 27
Work + Experience
2015 – 2016 Program Director, Belton Center for the Arts, Belton, SC
2014 MAKE/BELIEVE, Washinton, DC, supervised by Marissa Long
2013 Volunteer for D.C. Arts Center Annual Wall-Mountables, Washington, DC
2012 Volunteer, Blank Canvas, Greenville, SC, supervised by Seth Scheving
2012 – 2013 Painting Lab Assistant, Anderson University, Anderson, SC, supervised by Peter Kaniaris
