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 –Â MFA in Painting, New York Academy of Art, New York, New York
2010 – 2014Â Â Â Â Â BA in Painting & Drawing, Anderson University, Anderson, SC (cum laude)
Exhibitions
2017Â Â Â Â Open Studios, New York Academy of Art, New York, NY
Tribeca Ball, New York Academy of Art, New York, NY
2016Â Â Â Â Brandon Fellowship Exhibition, Greenville Center for Creative Arts, Greenville, SC
Telling Her Story, Greenville Center for Creative Arts, Greenville, SC
2015Â Â Â Â SELFIE, Clemson University Center for Visual Arts, Greenville, SC; curator: Kara Blanken
THE FL3TCH3R EXHIBIT, The Reece Museum, Johnson City, TN; curator: Joyce Ogden
2014Â Â Â Â 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
2013Â Â Â Â Â 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
2012Â Â Â Â Â Who: Two-Person Show with Lucy Nordlinger, The Velo Fellow, Greenville, SC
Awards + Honors + Residencies
2017Â Â Â Â Leipzig International Art Programme (LIA) Residency, Leipzig, Germany
2016Â Â Â Â Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Grant**
Academy Scholar Award, New York Academy of Art, New York, NY
2015Â Â Â Â Brandon Fellowship Recipient, The Greenville Center for Creative Arts, Greenville, SC
2014Â Â Â Â Outstanding Student in Painting & Drawing, Anderson University, Anderson, SC
First Place, 2nd Annual Collegiate Invitational, Spartanburg County Library, Spartanburg, SC
2013Â Â Â Â Best Use of Space Award, Annual Wall-Mountables Show, D.C. Arts Center, Washington, D.C.
2010Â Â Â Â Art Scholarship/Academic Scholarship, Anderson University, Anderson, S.C.
2009Â Â 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
2016Â Â Â Â Â Â Greenville Journal, vol. 18, no. 32
2014Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Ivy Leaves, Literary Journal of Literature and Art, vol. 89, Artist Spotlight
Forge Art Magazine, vol. 3
2013Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Ivy Leaves, Literary Journal of Literature and Art, vol. 88, page 26- 27, 112-113
2012Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Ivy Leaves, Literary Journal of Literature and Art, vol. 87, logo design and photography,
page 27
Work + Experience
2015 – 2016Â Â Â Program Director, Belton Center for the Arts, Belton, SC
2014Â Â Â Â Â Â Â MAKE/BELIEVE, Washinton, DC, supervised by Marissa Long
2013Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Volunteer for D.C. Arts Center Annual Wall-Mountables, Washington, DC
2012Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Volunteer, Blank Canvas, Greenville, SC, supervised by Seth Scheving
2012 – 2013Â Â Â Â Painting Lab Assistant, Anderson University, Anderson, SC, supervised by Peter Kaniaris
