Lawrence “Naturel” Atoigue, widely known simply as Naturel, is a contemporary artist whose work has captured the attention of art enthusiasts and collectors around the world. His distinctive style, which blends elements of cubism, futurism, and pop art, has made him one of the most recognizable figures in the modern art scene. Naturel’s participation in Topps Project 2020 and Project 70 brought a unique visual approach to the world of baseball card design, merging his artistic vision with the rich history of America’s pastime.
Early Life and Artistic Journey
Born in the Washington, D.C. area, Naturel grew up in an environment where creativity was encouraged. His early exposure to hip-hop culture and street art played a significant role in shaping his artistic sensibilities. These influences, combined with his formal training at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, helped him develop a style that is both deeply rooted in urban culture and refined through academic study.
Naturel’s early work was heavily influenced by the golden era of hip-hop, with its bold colors, dynamic compositions, and cultural commentary. He began his career as a graphic designer, working for various clients in the fashion and music industries. However, it wasn’t long before he transitioned to fine art, where he could fully explore his creative vision. Naturel’s artwork quickly gained recognition for its unique fusion of digital and traditional techniques, as well as its striking visual language that often incorporates geometric forms, vivid colors, and cultural symbolism.
Artistic Style: Cubism Meets Hip-Hop
Naturel’s style is a contemporary take on cubism, with a distinct emphasis on geometric shapes, bold lines, and vibrant color palettes. His work often features fragmented, overlapping forms that create a sense of movement and energy, drawing the viewer into a dynamic visual experience. This approach allows Naturel to deconstruct and reassemble his subjects in ways that challenge traditional perspectives, inviting viewers to engage with his work on multiple levels.
One of the defining characteristics of Naturel’s art is its synthesis of high art and popular culture. He frequently references iconic figures from music, sports, and history, reimagining them through his geometric lens. This blend of the familiar and the abstract gives his work a unique appeal, as it resonates with audiences who appreciate both the cultural references and the innovative execution.
Naturel’s use of color is also noteworthy. He often employs a limited palette of bold, contrasting colors that enhance the impact of his compositions. These colors are not merely decorative but serve to highlight the structural elements of his work, guiding the viewer’s eye through the complex interplay of shapes and forms. This strategic use of color and geometry is a hallmark of Naturel’s style, making his pieces instantly recognizable.
Naturel and Topps Project 2020
In 2020, Topps selected Naturelelected to participate in Project 2020, a project that brought together 20 artists to reinterpret 20 classic baseball cards. This collaboration offered Naturel a unique platform to merge his love for sports and art, allowing him to bring his distinctive style to the world of baseball card collecting.
Naturel’s contributions to Project 2020 are a testament to his ability to blend contemporary art with traditional sports iconography. Geometric abstraction, bold color schemes, and a sense of movement that captures the energy and dynamism of the sport are the features of his work.
Standout Works from Project 2020
One of Naturel’s most celebrated pieces from Project 2020 is his reinterpretation of Ken Griffey Jr.’s 1989 Topps rookie card. In this work, Naturel deconstructs Griffey’s image into a series of geometric shapes and planes, using vibrant colors to create a sense of depth and movement. The result is a piece that feels both modern and timeless, capturing the essence of Griffey’s impact on the game while also pushing the boundaries of traditional sports art.
Another standout card from Naturel’s Project 2020 portfolio is his take on Derek Jeter’s 1992 Topps Draft Pick card. Here, Naturel uses his signature cubist style to reimagine Jeter’s iconic pose, breaking it down into a series of angular forms that convey both the power and grace of the legendary shortstop. The use of bold colors and sharp lines gives the card a futuristic feel, while still paying homage to Jeter’s legacy in the sport.
Naturel’s Project 2020 cards are notable not just for their visual appeal but also for the way they challenge conventional notions of what a baseball card can be. By applying his unique artistic language to these classic images, Naturel has created works that are as much about the culture of baseball as they are about the art itself.
Naturel and Project 70
Following the success of Project 2020, Topps launched Project 70 in 2021, inviting 70 artists to reinterpret classic baseball cards with even more creative freedom. This project allowed Naturel to further explore the intersection of sports and art, using his distinct style to bring new life to some of baseball’s most iconic images.
For Project 70, Naturel continued to push the boundaries of baseball card design, experimenting with color, form, and composition to create pieces that are both visually stunning and conceptually rich. His cards from this project are characterized by a bold blue sky, and his use of geometry and color, as well as his innovative reimagining of classic baseball imagery.
One of the standout pieces from Naturel’s Project 70 collection is his ode to the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card, which is one of the most legendary in the baseball card collecting hobby. The card is recognizable, but also has his own stylistic touches.
The Impact of Naturel’s Work on Baseball Card Design
Naturel’s contributions to Topps Project 2020 and Project 70 have had a significant impact on the world of baseball card design. By bringing his unique artistic style to these projects, Naturel has helped to redefine what a baseball card can be, transforming it from a mere collectible into a piece of contemporary art.
One of the key aspects of Naturel’s success in these projects is his ability to balance respect for the history of baseball with his own modern, innovative approach. While his cards are undeniably rooted in the traditions of the sport, they also challenge viewers to see these iconic images in a new light. This balance between tradition and innovation has resonated with collectors and art enthusiasts alike, making Naturel’s cards some of the most sought-after in both Project 2020 and Project 70.
Naturel’s work on these projects also highlights the broader trend of integrating contemporary art into the world of sports memorabilia. His cards are not just valuable for their historical significance but also for their artistic merit, making them appealing to a wide range of collectors. By bridging the gap between art and sports, Naturel has opened up new possibilities for what a baseball card can be, inspiring a new generation of artists and collectors alike.
Conclusion
Naturel’s involvement in Topps Project 2020 and Project 70 has solidified his place as a leading figure in the fusion of contemporary art and sports memorabilia. His unique blend of cubism, futurism, and pop art has brought a fresh, modern aesthetic to the world of baseball card design, challenging traditional notions of what these collectibles can be.
Through his innovative use of geometry, color, and form, Naturel has created a body of work that is both visually striking and deeply meaningful. His cards not only pay homage to the legends of baseball but also push the boundaries of contemporary art, creating pieces that are as much about the culture of sports as they are about the art itself.
As an artist, Naturel continues to explore new ways to blend the worlds of fine art and popular culture, using his distinctive style to create works that resonate with a wide audience. His contributions to Topps Project 2020 and Project 70 are a testament to his talent and vision, and they will be remembered as key moments in the ongoing evolution of baseball card design. Through his work, Naturel has not only left an indelible mark on the world of sports memorabilia but has also helped to elevate the medium to new heights, making it a vital part of the contemporary art landscape.
