Nicholle Kobi: An Afro-Parisian Artist In Harlem
Photographs by Patrick Cline
Since the early part of the 20th century, Harlem has been one of the most significant African American communities in the country — and the world. As gentrification continues to change the face of the area, Harlem continues to fight to keep its unique identity. As one result of this ongoing effort, the historic neighborhood is now home to a growing group of African American-owned restaurants, and remains known for its iconic landmarks - from the Cotton Club to the Apollo Theatre, The Studio Museum in Harlem, and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Today, nearly a century after Harlem and a magnificent group of talented Black creatives and intellectuals put each other on the map, the neighborhood continues to draw talented artists from all parts of the Diaspora.
Nicholle Kobi, who is originally from France, is one of them. A fashion illustrator with an eye for detail and a love of Black women, Black bodies and Black hair, Kobi produces illustrations of black women enjoying life, spending time together in chic locations and being generally comfortable in their own skin. Splitting her time between Paris and New York, it’s easy to see that the artist’s choice of neighborhood is hardly coincidental.
Harlem’s history as a center for Black culture is hardly lost on Kobi. In fact, it’s the primary reason that she chose to make it her home while in America. The mother of two small children, the myriad examples of strength, creativity and excellence to be found in the storied neighborhood are intended to inspire her children as much as her art. When asked why she loves her neighborhood so much, the artist simply replies, “It is a Black neighborhood. The community is strong and alive.”
As entrancing as the voices from the past can be in Harlem, for Kobi it is important to note that the neighborhood’s ability to influence and motivate creatives in the here and now is alive and well. When looking for creative inspiration in her neighborhood, this fashion illustrator need look no further than the world outside her window.
“Art is everywhere in Harlem's streets,” she says. “I particularly love the art sellers on Lennox avenue. They just sit on the street selling art as everything goes on around around them. Paintings, drawings, t-shirts. I love it so much.”
And when it comes to stimulating her ears as well as her eyes too, the area does not disappoint. “Every summer at the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building, there is Summer Stage Harlem. A lot of artists come to sing all kinds of Black music - jazz, hip-hop and reggae. It’s always amazing.”
Splitting her time between Paris and Harlem offers Nicholle plenty of opportunities for comparison. A city every bit as cosmopolitan as New York with a far longer history of world-changing events, it’s impressive to know that Harlem still offers a level of cultural stimulation that’s on par with the City of Lights.
Though the time she spends in New York each year takes her away from landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre, when she’s in Harlem, there’s usually just one place on her mind. “I love The Studio Museum in Harlem,” she offers, “It’s my favorite place to go for a cultural experience.”
