“I Paint as I Live”

Nathalie Gribinski’s oeuvre delves into the rich landscape of human feelings, a testament to her emotional introspection. Her journey began in her native Algiers, Algeria, and later unfurled in the Parisian suburbs, where she relocated at six. The early vibrancy of Algeria left a lasting imprint, continually seeping into her art. A familial upheaval occurred when she was 14, with the loss of her father prompting their move to Paris.

Here, Gribinski engaged with legal studies and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Law. Following two attempts at the bar exam, she chose to embark on a transformative journey that led her to Chicago. In this new chapter, she achieved a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Graphic Design.

Gribinski’s Provencal vacations amidst the enchanting villages captivated many artists for their luminous intensity and breathtaking scenery, influenced her palette, and infused her work with authenticity.

Primarily self-educated in her artistic pursuits, Gribinski’s graphic design education has left an indelible mark on her artistic methods. Her art is a harmonious blend of abstract expressionism and contemporary surrealism, characterized by bold palettes and the dynamic orchestration of shapes and lines. Her diverse creative repertoire spans multiple mediums, including charcoal, watercolor, gouache, ink, oil markers, and acrylics.

Her art profoundly resonates with the influences of masters like Van Gogh, Picasso, Miro, Dali, Klee, Cezanne, Rothko, and Kandinsky, whose legacies profoundly shape her creative expression. Her elder brother's support, wisdom, and gift for writing have been integral to her growth as an artist. This mentorship, combined with her rich experiences across three continents, breathes vibrant energy and dynamic zest into her work, showcasing a spirited and exuberant embrace of life's diversity.

In the past ten years, Gribinski’s art has been featured in numerous solo and collective exhibitions in Chicago and France, especially in Provence. Her work has been celebrated for its expressive force and technical virtuosity, bringing her acclaim in art contests around the world. A memorable highlight was earning a trip to Paris for an illustration shortly after completing her studies.

A landmark achievement in her career was the acquisition of her work by Christine Ruiz Picasso, which included a piece from Gribinski’s signature “Tourlicoulis” series, a vote of confidence that has solidified her artistic path. Known for its fluid grace and whimsicality, the “Tourlicoulis” series showcases playful shapes that evolve into explosive, dreamlike compositions. 

The COVID era sparked Gribinski’s imagination, resulting in a collection of works depicting animals and fantastical creatures, which have been transformed into a book and giclée prints.

Gazing into the horizon, Gribinski is eager to embrace new creative endeavors and is particularly interested in crafting murals within the vibrant tapestries of urban settings. Painting is not merely a profession for her—it’s a compelling life force, an essential thread in the fabric of her identity, and a means to touch others in their search for liberation.

“Creating is my lifeblood—it grants me breath, room for play, and the ultimate freedom. Each piece is born of necessity and culminates in fulfillment. I aspire to shatter the confines and drudgery of the mundane and to infuse each canvas with a visceral sense of excitement and emotion.

I strive for balance, seeking symmetry and sensuous elegance in the interplay of light and shadow, space and form. My background in design has deepened my intrigue with the potency of lines and shapes, colors and contours, and how they come together to create a visual symphony akin to a musical composition. 

In my studio, where quietude is a stranger, music orchestrates the dance of my brush. It sculpts my feelings that then infuse the essence of my art, compelling me to drench the canvas in vibrant, intense colors.

Take, for instance, my signature series, “Tourlicoulis.” Here, you can witness the dynamic ballet of shapes and hues; each piece is a testament to this harmonious chaos.

My approach to art is as intuitive as it is unpredictable, driven by the raw currents of my emotions. The evolution of my work mirrors life’s ebb and flow, its trials and triumphs. “Mistakes” are not setbacks but subconscious whispers guiding my hand in unexpected, thrilling directions.

My art is an extension of my being—crafted with enthusiasm, resolve, honesty, and liberation.

Join me in this journey. Each canvas is an experiential gateway to the symphony of music, emotion, and chromatic vivacity as lived through my eyes.”