10th Street Gallery will open a new exhibition by photo artist Marilyn L. Robinson, Cultural Composition & More, with an opening reception and gallery talk 6–9 p.m. Friday, August 2 at the gallery, 419 N. 10th St.
Robinson devoted herself to art photography after a career as a licensed clinical social worker and non-profit executive, having held positions such as director of the St. Louis County Department of Human Services and CEO of the YWCA of Metro St. Louis.
She recently received an Artist Grant from the St. Louis Regional Arts Council to develop a video presentation of “Black Indian” culture, based on her photo art book Black Indian Chiefs & Queens of New Orleans.
The American asked the artist about the influence of Romare Bearden, New Orleans and Havana on her work.
The American: How did you encounter Romare Bearden’s work and how do you see your practice in his work or being influenced by it?
Marilyn L. Robinson: Most African-American artists know that Romare Bearden is considered one of the most prolific American artists of the 20th century. As a member of the St. Louis Art Museum’s Collectors of African-American Art group, I became even more familiar with his work through the Romare Bearden fellowship program.
While attending the National Alliance of African & African American Art Support Groups Conference in 2012, one of the speakers, who knew Bearden personally, stated that they worked as social workers together for the City of New York, prior to Bearden going full time with his art. As a licensed clinical social worker, I identified with his early career as a social worker, then moving into the art world. I identify closely with Bearden’s focus on African-American life and family culture and believe there was a social work influence in his art.
The American: How did you first come to visit New Orleans and how has the place has effected you as a person and artist?
Marilyn L. Robinson: I have been visiting New Orleans for many, many years because I love the culture, atmosphere and lifestyle there. Five months after Hurricane Katrina I visited, took numerous photos and published my first photo art book, which included a photographic documentation of the hurricane and dam breach devastation and the first post-Katrina Mardi Gras Parade.
Before leaving for another New Orleans trip in 2011, I decided that I had seen enough of the touristic things and wanted to focus more on the African-American culture. My father was born in New Orleans. His family migrated to Arkansas so I have no relatives that I am aware of there, but I have a strong spiritual connection with the culture.
I researched and found a little museum in the Treme neighborhood called the Backstreet Museum. I met and talked with the founder and learned of a historical annual parade and street party celebration called “Super Sunday” that includes hundreds of African Americans who claimed Native-American heritage and exhibit elaborate, hand-crafted costumes with story-telling and intricate beadwork. In March 2012 and 2013 I traveled to New Orleans for the celebration and took over 1,000 photos in an effort to document this beautiful tradition.
The American: Havana, Cuba: same questions.
Marilyn L. Robinson: I visited Havana with the St. Louis Art Museum’s African-American Art Collectors Group in May 2012. With my trademark “Cultural Compositions” in mind, I focused my photography on capturing the essence of the Cuban culture, particularly the Afro-Cuban culture. I also became fascinated with the number of American cars in Havana that are over 50 years old and still operating. I produced a 65-page photo art book, documenting many of those beautiful classic cars.
The art of Marilyn Robinson will be on view at the 10th Street Gallery August 2 -September 7. Call 314-436-1806, email: pat@10thstreetgallery.com or visit www.10thstreetgallery.com.
