Natalie Baxter

Natalie Baxter: Sculpting Identity and Challenging Conventions

Natalie Baxter (b. 1985, Lexington, KY) is an artist currently residing in Brooklyn, NY. Her artistic journey began with a profound fascination for textiles and quilting traditions passed down through generations—a connection that fundamentally shaped her approach to crafting narratives within sculptural forms. This heritage instilled in her a deep appreciation for craft techniques and a desire to explore how these practices can communicate complex ideas about culture and identity. Baxter pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of the South in Sewanee, TN, earning a BA in Studio Art in 2007. During this formative period, she honed her artistic skills through experimentation with various mediums and techniques—laying the groundwork for her later explorations into sculpture and video art. Her academic pursuits fostered a critical understanding of art history and encouraged her to consider the broader context within which artistic creations emerge. She continued her artistic development at the University of Kentucky, where she earned an MFA in Sculpture in 2012. This program solidified her focus on sculptural experimentation, pushing boundaries between traditional craft methods and conceptual ideas—a characteristic that defines much of her subsequent work. Baxter’s instructors challenged her to confront challenging questions about representation and cultural heritage, prompting her to engage with pressing societal issues through art. Baxter's artistic practice is driven by a commitment to provoking dialogue and inspiring contemplation about the role of art in shaping perceptions of self and society. Her sculptural explorations often grapple with themes of nostalgia for American culture—particularly its visual traditions—and confront stereotypes related to gender roles. She seeks to disrupt conventional narratives and encourage viewers to reconsider established perspectives on identity and representation. Her work has garnered critical acclaim internationally, showcasing her dedication to artistic excellence and engaging with contemporary art discourse. Notable exhibitions include installations at Denny Dimin Gallery (New York, NY and Hong Kong), The New York Historical Society (New York, NY), Supermarket Fair (Stockholm, SE), Spring/Break Art Show (NewYork, NY), Material Art Fair (Mexico City, MX), and Institute 193 (Lexington, KY). These venues have provided platforms for her artistic explorations to reach diverse audiences and stimulate conversations about art’s role in fostering empathy across cultural divides. Baxter's commitment extends beyond her studio practice; she actively participates in artist residencies—such as the Wassaic Project, Stove Works, Vermont Studio Center, Konstepidemin in Gothenburg, Sweden, and Queens Art Fund Grant—allowing her to collaborate with fellow artists and expand her artistic horizons. Her work has been recognized by publications like The New York Times, The New Yorker, Hyperallergic, The Guardian, and Bomb Magazine, cementing her position as a significant voice within the contemporary art landscape.

Notable Solo Exhibitions

• Saint Kate Milwaukee WI
• International Gallery of Contemporary Art Anchorage AK
• Elijah Wheat Showroom + Intersect Sofa Chicago NY
• SPRING/BREAK New York NY
• LORIMOTO Queens NY
• NEXT TO NOTHING GALLERY New York NY
• CUNSTHAUS Tampa FL
• Elijah Wheat Showroom Brooklyn NY

Museum Exhibitions

• RAYNHAM HALL MUSEUM Oyster Bay NY
• MATTATUCK MUSEUM Waterbury CT
• MATTATUCK MUSEUM Waterbury CT
• SAMUEL DORSKY MUSEUM New Paltz NY
• DENISON MUSEUM Granville OH
• 21C MUSEUM HOTEL Louisville KY
• TORRANCE ART MUSEUM Torrance CA
• NY HISTORICAL SOCIETY New York NY

Selected Group Exhibitions

• CC DE VERVERIJ Ronse Belgium
• BLUE SPIRAL Asheville NC