ABOUTBOWEN

NAT BOWEN is a British abstract artist based in Dubai known globally for her vibrant, multi-layered resin paintings.

Bowen uses the study of Chromology, the psychology behind colour, as the foundation of her art. This knowledge is incorporated into the work as a way to communicate nonverbally through colour, with the viewer having a physical and emotional response to the art based on their own perceptions and personal experiences. Pigmented epoxy resin is poured onto an acrylic base which is then manipulated using a paintbrush to build up abstract layers of colour. The pigments within the lustrous resin adapt according to the light, reflecting and absorbing the surroundings with the work becoming a part of the space it inhabits. The visuals that these colourful, glossy orbs form have a depth and a three-dimensional aspect, similar to those seen during meditation, the image of a vortex or looking into water.

Bowen relates her practice to wellbeing, meditation and mental health using the creation of her artwork as a way to manage these areas of life. She initially started painting as a form of therapy and it has since become an essential part of her lifestyle, enabling her to detach from technology and defer everyday distractions whilst she paints. A meditative state is resumed when applying the resin with the act being a slow and mindful process which draws her into the now. The viewer is encouraged to adopt the same mindful, meditative state whilst observing her work, taking the time to be present and allowing the colour and form to have an impact on the mind and body. Colour, as a property of light, has the power to alter or transform ones’ mental state, and it is through this realisation that Bowen has built her strong relationship with colour, one that is already so embedded in us as humans. Colour can only be realised through the presence of light so by choosing to work with such a luminous medium, the colours in the works are enriched and the experience intensified.

The exploration into rare and precious pigments has seen Bowen source pigments from around the world including the purest Lapis Lazuli from Afghanistan, 4.6-billion-year-old meteorite dust from Morocco and natural earth from the volcanic region in Iceland amongst others, which are incorporated into the paintings. Bowen is well known for her diamond artworks, ‘Black Diamond’ and ‘Pink Diamond’, each including 1000 carats of genuine crushed diamond suspended in resin.

Coming from a family of creatives, Bowen was introduced to design processes, materials and mediums from a young age with her exploration continuing throughout her education. During her degree at the London College of Fashion she created fashion collections using manipulated artworks as prints and post-graduation went on to become a fashion designer before signing with a London modelling agency and forging a career as a model. Bowen has since incorporated her knowledge and experience into developing herself as a visual artist. In 2021 Bowen move her artist studio from London to Dubai where she now resides.

In February 2022 Nat Bowen unveiled her collaboration with McLaren during her artist residency at ME Dubai. The artist worked with McLaren Automotive to create the Nat Bowen x McLaren Artura, a unique supercar featuring Bowen’s signature colourful artwork.

© NATBOWEN 2024