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An Interview with Artist Natalie Arsenow
Table of Contents
Introducing Natalie Arsenow
Natalie Arsenow’s artistic journey is as rich and diverse as her multicultural background. Born to a Korean mother and a Serbian father, she grew up in Germany, later living in Paris, Leuven, Seoul, and Los Angeles, before settling in Brussels in 2014.
With a Master’s degree in Fine Arts, Art History, and English, Natalie has dedicated her life to exploring and refining her craft, particularly drawing, which has been her passion since childhood. Her commitment to art is evident in her active participation in numerous exhibitions in Brussels, where she has been fine-tuning her signature style and exploring new ideas.
At 46, Natalie reflects on her journey with humility, emphasising the importance of continuous learning and experimentation in her work. Her experience in Germany, coupled with her time in various international locales, has provided her with a broad perspective on art and culture. Natalie’s works, known for their contemporary geometric technique and focus on female portraits, aim to evoke peace and mystery. Her goal is to create memorable images that engage and surprise viewers, and to showcase her belief in the power of art to transcend time and space.
In her latest series of drawings, Natalie Arsenow explores the historical relegation of women to mere muses or models in the realm of art, a time when their creative voices were silenced by societal norms and legal restrictions.
Through her work, Arsenow not only challenges these archaic views but also bridges a connection to the present, where the battle for gender equality in the arts, and society at large, is still being fought.
Natalie incorporates elements reminiscent of Korean ceramics, paying homage to her South Korean heritage. This choice is particularly poignant, as the beautiful yet complex crackle glazing technique reflects the nuanced and often hidden struggles faced by women.
Arsenow’s work symbolises how, beneath the surface, many women endure pain and fragmentation, a reality that remains largely invisible to the external observer. Through this juxtaposition, Arsenow invites a deeper reflection on the façade of perfection and the unseen battles many continue to fight silently.
Discover more about Natalie Arsenow and her journey through her website, where you can also view her artworks. For inquiries or to connect with Natalie, visit her contact page. Follow her on Instagram for the latest updates and insights into her creative process, and connect with her on LinkedIn to learn more about her professional journey and upcoming exhibitions.
Introduce yourself
Natalie Arsenow: Hello, my name is Natalie Arsenow. I am 46 years old (still a bit surprised every time I hear that number) and have called Brussels my home for the past 9 years. With my (family) background, a Korean mother, a Serbian father, growing up in Germany, having lived in different countries, I feel that I fit in very well here in our extremely international society.
Explain your roots in art - how did you get started?
Natalie Arsenow: I cannot remember a moment when I didn’t love to draw. It has been my favourite past time already from a very young age. Drawing is the moment when my soul feels at rest, when I am completely focused and time and space disappear… until I get hungry. During the last few years of high school I chose Art as a main subject.
Afterwards I went on to university to get a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts, Art History and English. Since then there were occasions when I didn’t have the time to be creative because I was moving to a new place, learning a new language, starting a new job. But since 2020 I made it a priority in my life again and try to draw at least 6-10 hours a week (admittedly this does not always work out)
What was your experience of Germany like?
Natalie Arsenow: It is impossible to compress the 24 years I lived there into a few short sentences. So maybe just a few things: I loved growing up in Germany because school was mostly done by 1:30pm, meaning you had a lot of free time.
This allowed me to maintain a lot of hobbies like dancing, playing the piano, horse riding and, of course, drawing. Also I prefer the university system in Germany and am very happy that I obtained my degree there as it is possible to combine Fine Arts and Art History studies at university level, which is still not a given here in Belgium.
What advice would you give younger people wishing to create work like you in the future?
Natalie Arsenow: Just keep on practicing, keep on going, never give up. Art is like any other profession. To achieve something you have to work really hard, for a really long time. Success (almost) never comes overnight. The people whose work you see online, in exhibitions and galleries have been striving to achieve this goal for years so don’t expect that it will be any different for you. People need to get to know you, need to see that you are consistent in your work and that you are always willing to try new things. Never stop experimenting (and if it’s just to find out what you are NOT good at)!
Is there any underrepresented struggles of independent artists you feel aren't highlighted often enough?
Natalie Arsenow: Times are getting better, female art is being promoted, we are more visible. But it is still a work in progress. We have to rewrite history, change the way we think, change the way we look at art and the world in general. This requires time and education. I know that but I wish we would progress a bit faster.
If you could collaborate with anyone right now who would it be and why?
Natalie Arsenow: I have never collaborated with anyone yet so this thought has honestly not entered my mind up until now. It’s not that I am against it. It just didn’t happen yet. And even though I ususally have a very clear idea and image in my mind of how I want a certain work to be represented another point of view is always interesting to push you a little bit further, a little bit higher and certainly out of your comfort zone. If you stick to the same things over and over again there is no progress. And with the words of the wonderful Lee Krasner: “The only constant in life is change.”
What would you highlight as your current inspirations or sources of inspiration?
Natalie Arsenow: I mostly draw female portraits with a geometric, contemporary technique but generally my aim is to create a powerful, calm image that rests in itself and can bring you peace of mind. I hope to achieve beautiful, surprising, engaging drawings that are imprinted in your mind for a long time. Every so often I manage to introduce a little bit of mystery and wonder into my works, which is an added bonus.
Any upcoming plans or shows?
Natalie Arsenow: Yes, several but my next solo exhibition, which will be on display for about three weeks, starting in March from 5.30-7.30-pm and running until the 28thth in the Aloft Hotel in Brussels, close to Schuman.
Consider stopping by to show your support for her work! You can continue to support Natalie’s work via her website or via Instagram if you want to keep up to date.
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