Rebecca Robinson
In February, Herd Strategies celebrates Black History Month by amplifying Black artists, poets and musicians. We seek to highlight creatives who are voices of the Black community today and share the stories of Black artists in history whose work paved the way for future generations. Rebecca Robinson, an Indianapolis-based mixed media artist, uses her art to share the Black experience and speak out against racial injustice.
Rebecca Robinson studied art and visual communications at the historically Black college North Carolina Central University. Her background in art history, photography, film, fashion and creative marketing combined with her strategic use of texture and contrast helps her create impactful pieces that evoke emotion and spark dialogue while enriching the community and contributing to culture. She is a proud member of the Kurt Vonnegut Museum Planning Committee, the Indianapolis Black Documentary Film Festival Advisory Committee, the Art Center of Indianapolis board of directors, the Indianapolis Cabaret board of directors and the African American History Committee advisory board for the Indianapolis Public Library. She is also a member of the art collectives WE ARE INDY ARTS, The EIGHTEEN and Circle City Creatives, collaborating with other artists to leave a lasting mark on Indianapolis and beyond.
Rebecca’s artistic inspiration comes from her experiences, memorable encounters, and significant moments in her life. She has also always drawn inspiration from her uncle, Bruce, a visual artist. “His artwork was my first encounter with paintings in our home,” she said. “I have always been creative and loved all forms of the arts, but I knew I had a gift at an early age.” She also takes the responsibility of being a voice for the Black community very seriously, visually highlighting shared experiences and struggles. “All of my artwork is heartfelt and transparent. I have been told by many who view my work that it is very emotional and powerful and leaves a lasting impression,” Rebecca said. “That within itself is the Black Experience. As a culture, we have an inner knowing of similar experiences and it is always gratifying to use my art as my voice and be a voice for others.”
Some of Rebecca’s signature artistic mediums are concrete and tar. She shared that she was initially inspired to work with those contrasting textures to express herself and process complicated emotions. “I knew I had something meaningful to express and I needed to find a medium that would represent how I was feeling. I was a bit discouraged and I needed an outlet,” she shared. Seeing rapper and songwriter Kendrick Lamar’s music video for his song “Alright” was the inspiration she had been seeking to break out of a creative rut. “The song spoke volumes. It said what I was feeling – what many Black people were feeling (and are still feeling),” she said. “I wanted to recreate the strength, grittiness, power and courage with a new medium.” Though she still works with traditional materials, concrete and tar hold a special place in her heart and have become representative of her as an artist. “It's an honor that my work can be anywhere and people know exactly who the artist is. That’s powerful!”
One of Rebecca’s favorite paintings that she has created thus far was for the Murals for Racial Justice Project. Commissioned by the city of Indianapolis in the summer of 2020 in response to the murder of George Floyd, the 20-foot-long piece, entitled “New Nation,” features a kneeling human silhouette waving a flag with an all-black map of the United States. “It represented and still represents the need for unity, justice, and equality,” Rebecca said. “It was a labor of love and I will always be proud of what it symbolizes.”
In 2020, Rebecca was one of 18 artists selected to create a Black Lives Matter mural on Indiana Avenue. She designed the letter “L” in the word “Black.” Inspired by protests, she chose to continue the narrative from her “New Nation” piece and showcase her passion for racial justice and equality. “During the Black Lives Matter movement and the protests we all witnessed, I was so proud to see the entire world coming together. I never imagined the impact the BLM mural would have on the city and the nation,” she said.
Rebecca shared advice for other artists, urging them to create from the heart and be passionate about their work. “When you create honestly and wholeheartedly, the message will shine through,” she said. She also encouraged artists to trust their talents and gifts and not be too hard on themselves. “Artistry is a process – never stop growing, learning and honing your artistic skills,” Rebecca emphasized. “The art journey never stops.”
To keep up with Rebecca, follow her on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. View her art by visiting her website.
