October 13, 2023 – February 23, 2024
Valencia Public Library
23743 West Valencia Blvd
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
The City of Santa Clarita is excited to announce, “Dead Inside Series”, an exhibition by Los Angeles-based artist Natalie Reyne. The exhibition will be on view October 13, 2023 at the Valencia Public Library, and will run through February 23, 2024. This exhibition invites art enthusiasts and novices alike to immerse themselves in a powerful collection that delves deep into the human experience of internal struggle, resilience, and the persistent glimmer of hope.
Born in Belarus and now residing in Los Angeles, Natalie Reyne’s transition from a career in economics and design to a passionate pursuit of expressive artistry is a testament to the transformative power of art. Reyne’s story, marked by political activism, migration, and unyielding artistic expression, illuminates the depths and heights of human experience.
“Dead Inside” reflects a journey from the shadows of despair to the radiant beams of hope. Every piece, from “Glowing Star Veins” illustrating numbing anhedonia, to “The Ocean of Lost Hope” echoing the profound weight of deferred dreams, offers visitors an intimate glance into complex human emotions and the indomitable spirit of resilience. Despite confronting and conveying intense emotions and internal struggles, Reyne’s art is imbued with a promise of hope and solace. Each painting is a narrative, echoing the universal human experience and the inexorable movement from darkness to light.
Visitors are invited to experience this remarkable exhibition at the Valencia Public Library, where the evocative and soulful artworks will be displayed for public viewing. Reyne’s complex yet hopeful pieces offer a shared space of reflection, conversation, and illumination.
How to Purchase Artwork:
For inquiries and to purchase artwork, please contact the artist directly.
Delivery will be arranged by the artist after the show ends on February 23, 2024.
Natalie Reyne | Natalie.Reyne@gmail.com | @nreyne_art
To learn more about “Dead Inside Series” and upcoming art opportunities with the City of Santa Clarita, please contact Stephanie Jacinto at sjacinto@santa-clarita.com.
Q & A with Natalie Reyne
Do you plan each piece out before you start, or do you let the piece “take shape” as you go?
Typically, I only plan the overall color scheme. For example, I know the painting will have a black background with pink accents. I select a few shades and then, as I work on the painting, I add other colors to emphasize certain aspects or enhance the form.
What’s the best reaction someone has had to your artwork?
I believe the best reaction is when people take my paintings into their homes. But I also enjoy the way children react to my art. They often capture the mood of the paintings and describe them in fascinating ways. Interestingly, adults more frequently misinterpret the emotions I intended to convey.
How has your art changed since you first started creating it?
I initially began drawing as a means of coping with emotions I couldn’t express verbally. My early paintings were bright, chaotic, and quick (using acrylic for its fast drying time). Now, my paintings are more thoughtful and profound. I spend more time with them (which is why I switched to oil), delve deeper into the issues I want to convey, and infuse more contemplation into my work.
How would you describe your artistic style?
Recently, I’ve been calling it “Eastern-European Madness.” I was born and raised in Belarus, and it has profoundly influenced my work. Even my most vibrant pieces are quite restrained and somber when compared to American artists. However, since my goal is to convey emotions, I believe I successfully achieve that task.
How do you come up with ideas for new pieces?
This is the most interesting part of my life because I never know when inspiration will strike. I have paintings inspired by billboards, road signs, music, and even ordinary trash. When you contemplate a problem, anything can serve as a trigger to create the right image in your mind. The key is to have a canvas of the right size at hand during those moments.
