Richard Nattoo (@djsinista1) is a visionary artist whose work delves into the depths of forgotten folklore, cultural memory, and the unseen realms of the human imagination. Through his latest body of work, Acquaintance of the Night, he breathes new life into old Jamaican legends, offering alternative origins to mystical beings and exploring their dark complexities. Using deep blue tones of nightshade and the symbolic presence of living water, Natto crafts haunting yet beautiful narratives that challenge perceptions of history, myth, and identity.
A Lifelong Journey Into Art
Nattoo’s artistic journey began at the age of four when he first realized the transformative power of art. While watching the children's program Pappy Land, he saw the host draw a peacock that seemed to come to life before his eyes. That moment sparked a lifelong passion—an innate desire to create art that breathes, moves, and tells stories.
His creative path was anything but conventional. Though he continued making art throughout his youth, he pursued architecture in university, balancing his artistic passions with structural design. Even while working at an architectural firm for five years, Nattoo remained deeply engaged in the art world—exhibiting his work, refining his techniques, and expanding his visual language. Eventually, the pull of storytelling through painting became too strong to ignore, leading him to leave architecture behind and fully embrace his identity as an artist.
The Creative Process: Storytelling Through Paint
At the heart of Nattoo’s work is an exploration of cultural identity, memory, and the mysteries of the past. His creative process begins with introspection, often rooted in questions he asked as a child but never found the answers to. These questions become the foundation for his art, sparking a journey of world-building where forgotten stories resurface and take new shape on the canvas.
Sketching plays a crucial role in this process, serving as the seed from which larger compositions grow. The act of painting allows him to engage with themes that once instilled fear or curiosity in him, transforming those emotions into striking visual narratives. His work is immersive—an invitation for viewers to step into the unknown, confront the past, and witness the reawakening of folklore through modern eyes.
Looking Ahead
With multiple exhibitions lined up for the year, Richard Nattoo continues to push the boundaries of storytelling through art. His work not only pays homage to the myths and legends of his heritage but also offers a fresh perspective on how history and imagination intersect.
By revisiting the past and reinterpreting its tales, Nattoo reminds us that folklore is more than just stories—it is a living, breathing part of culture, waiting to be rediscovered.
