Philip A. Robinson Jr.

Untitled Faces

The series Untitled Faces depicts "celebrity" individuals we see in todays multi faceted media i.e.: TV, Film, Print, Web. These figures have been abstracted within the positive and negative space to engage the viewer and allow for individual interpretation.

Each Sculpture is made up of different types of 'Hard Wood' slabs that are each dated; Walnut, Cherry, Spalted Maple, Red Heart, Zebra, and Yellow Heart. The slabs range from 100 to over 200 years’ old which sparks the conversation about heritage and legacy. The wood is sourced in and around New York State. And as a Cherokee Native American descendant this wood would have been vital as trading resources, lumber for homes, cooking and eating wear, etc.

These sculptures tell a story of lineage and legacy as to those who came before and those who are with us now. And they will continue to speak to those who are witness to the beauty of not only the wood but facial features, hair texture, skin color and personal expression.

What has been seen can never be Undone

Robinsons sculptures entitled ‘WHAT HAS BEEN CAN NEVER BE UNDONE’ Part I & II are in response to the protests of Gucci and Moncler prompted by a Social Media post that went viral.

The Power House of Gucci went under immediate outrage after they revealed a new clothing line resembling ‘Blackface.’: A Gucci knit top with a black pull-up neck and grotesque red-lip caricature.

“I AM A BLACK MAN BEFORE I AM A BRAND!” Dapper Dan 2019

French sport label Moncler were forced to issue an apology for their latest collection which took inspiration from the face of a 19^thcentury ‘golliwog doll.’ These controversial toys known for their black skin, clown lips, and frizzy hair are widely censured due to their offensive racist undertones. The Brand is now using the doll’s infamous white-rimmed eyes and red lips on their new collections of sweaters, t-shirts and accessories.

“Another fashion house house has gotten it outrageously wrong. There is no excuse nor apology that can erase this kind of insult.” Dapper Dan 2019

ReBirth of Venus

The Rebirth of Venus pays homage to one of the most iconic paintings of the Italian Renaissance, 'The Birth of Venus'. Botticelli's mythological composition embodies the rebirth of civilization, a new hope, geopolitical, social, a major shift that took place after the Middle Ages. These themes are evident today in that the MAJESTY and POWER of the Female Form has risen in a time of "ME TOO", Gender Equality, the Over Sexualized saturation, and political and social injustice.

In Botticelli's painting no shadow is evident as Venus arrives on the shore line. In The Rebirth of Venus you have the image of a slim but curvy female form with the shadow of a 'full figure' woman in the background.