ARTIST STATEMENT
My style is a unique combination of what I refer to as “abstract reality,” which is a blend of surrealism, realism, and abstract designs that convey feelings and ideas in a whimsical and fantasy-like manner. My goal is to showcase life as if seen through the eyes of a child, innocent and pure. Dream-like creatures are becoming a recurring theme in recent years, representing the unexpected, yet possible. Art is my ultimate expression and my greatest passion!
BIOGRAPHY
Natacha Monnalisa was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Early in her childhood Natacha showed a great deal of interest in the arts, entering and winning various contests for children. In 1990, she moved to Miami, Florida, and attended the prestigious magnet school program, Design and Architecture. There she studied and excelled in the field of fashion design. Later she completed her BA and MA degrees with high honors from the University of Miami, in South Florida.
EDUCATION
MASTERS OF ART, 2008, University of Miami, Miami, FL,
STUDY ABROAD: Universidad de Belgrano, Buenos Aires, Argentina and St, Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
BACHELORS OF ART, 2007, University of Miami, Miami, FL
Design and Architecture Magnet School, Fashion Design, 1995
AWARDS
Award of Distinction, Gainesville Downtown Art Festival 2019
Judges Choice, GFAA Tioga Art Festival 2018
Third Place Overall, Inman Park Art Festival 2017
Award of Distinction, St. John's River Festival of the Arts 2016
Award of Excellence, Mayfaire by-the-Lake Art Festival 2016
Third Place Mixed Media 2-d and 3-d, St. Stephen's Art Show 2015
Best of Category, Art Under the Stars, the 38th Maitland Art Festival 2014
Award of Merit, Tioga Art Festival 2014, Gainesville, FL
Award of Excellence, 32nd Annual Downtown Festival and Art Show 2013, Gainesville, FL
Judges Choice, Art Festival at Thornebrook 2013, Gainesville, FL
Second Place Overall, Spring Arts festival On Ponce 2013, Atlanta, GA
Sebastian Ferrero Award, Tioga Art Festival 2013, Gainesville, FL
Best of Show, Melbourne Mainstreet Fall Festival 2012, Melbourne, FL
Judges Choice, Art Festival at Thornebrook 2012, Gainesville, FL
Art Sponsor Award, Gainesville's 31st Annual Downtown Festival & Art Show 2012, Gainesville, FL
Honorable Mention, Thirteenth Annual "Larger Than Life" Art Contest, Miami, FL
PUBLICATIONS
"Winning poster artist works in ‘abstract reality’", May 10, 2017, The Ledger.
"Bringing Local Artists Together," December 6, 2012, Gainesville Sun, Scene pp. 4.
"Eclectic Art," November 2012, Gainesville Today, Vol 31, Issue 11, pp. 49.
"Natacha Monnalisa Q&A," March 2012, Gainesville Today, Vol 31, Issue 3, pp. 30-31.
"Two Monnalisas: La Predestinación del Oficio," August 2004, Salud Latina, No. 3, pp. 22-23.
INTERVIEWS & BLOG FEATURES
TV Interview, Virginia Morning News, FOX 43, April 27, 2015
Nautical Owl - February Inspirations
Gainesville Art Makers - A few shots from Thornebrook Art Festival
Festival on Ponce - Spring Arts Winners