Art as Experience
Judy BL Robinson came of age in Grenada witnessing the tumultuous upheaval of her country’s cultural revolution. Those experiences were pivotal in shaping her social consciousness and sense of community. Grenada ingrained her with an unshakable belief in humanity and our potential for greatness. She is a mother of three young adults and selflessly anchors numerous local non-profit organizations as a volunteer and/or board member. Her interest in art has been a captivating and ever evolving passion. As an avid appreciator and patron of the arts, as well as an entrepreneurial and fiercely independent spirit, it only seems natural that she would follow her passion for art as a career!
From a young naiveté on the beaches of Grenada or marching for human rights, to a successful curator a world apart, to her most recent evolution as creator … Robinson’s artistic expression has evolved with all her passions. Her current art is an expression of her experiences that are meant to symbolize the increasingly complex, nuanced, and abstract interpretation of the world: the universal metamorphosis we all experience to varying degrees as we move through life.
Robinson’s paintings are bold and audacious without pretention. They all evolve from a black canvas. It is her intention to honor her African Heritage inviting the spirit of the ancestors to guide her in articulating the idea of each work of art and its story. She strives to understand and educate through color and symbolism.
Telling stories from time immemorial to include biblical times and today are important aspects of our human existence and critical to species survival. Robinson strongly believes that art and storytelling is vital to our reservoir of specie data and propagation. And, not unlike the church, her art emulates this idea and contemplates the relationship of the natural world and the sublime. Her art is not just to be admired and idolized … it is an experience.
Robinson is very comfortable with abstract painting to make sense of her world and experiences. For her it is one of reflection and renewal. It is a deep understanding of a complex yet subtle interface of her inner and outer world. Her art is unapologetic and nonconforming in attitude as it offers a fresh take on familiar experiences.
Her thoughts manifested in abstract art are provocative as well as spiritual … intoxicating even. Robinson’s art explores the fascinating complexity of the human condition, especially the psychological implications of slavery. She insists that slavery is a purely commercial initiative meant to generate huge profits at minimal cost. It has been the foundation of all empires throughout recorded history. This practice will certainly reappear without a profound shift in our values as consumers and co-creators.
