I possess a profound enthusiasm for exploring the nuanced utilization of various artistic materials, employing oils, acrylics, artificial intelligence, pastels, charcoals, and colored pencils in a conceptual discourse. My primary area of concentration revolves around the examination and reformulation of existing stereotypes pertaining to black artists and individuals. Two significant experiences have played a crucial role in molding my personal and academic path. The first occurred during my time in graduate school when a professor made a thought-provoking statement about my lack of conformity to the stereotypical appearance of an artist. The second experience took place during my high school years when I encountered the declaration that black culture was not considered mainstream, but white culture was. Both of these instances have had a profound impact on my development and trajectory. The pervasive and unwarranted existence of racism has had a profound impact on my reconsideration of the portrayal of black artists, interweaving with a diverse range of cultural identities.
My Thoughts:
My Story
Arrita S. N. Robinson is an artist originating from the culturally rich urban environment of Philadelphia, who possesses a fervent dedication to confronting and transforming the unfavorable perceptions associated with those of African descent. By employing a combination of conventional and digital platforms, the artist’s body of work addresses prevailing prejudices, shedding light on the extensive spectrum, tenacity, and cultural abundance within the black community. The diverse cultural milieu of Philadelphia exerted a profound influence on her, leading her to realize that she did not conform to conventional categorizations. Rather than perceiving this as a problem, she found inspiration in this realization, which fueled her creative endeavors. The artwork produced by Arrita transcends mere representation, as it effectively encapsulates the intrinsic nature and historical significance, hence advocating for the diverse dimensions of black experiences. Robinson’s literary oeuvre elicits affective responses and stimulates intellectual discourse, endeavoring to transform prevailing notions of black identity. Arrita holds a strong conviction regarding the transformative potential of art in challenging established paradigms, fostering critical thinking, and fostering constructive change within communities. The objective of her work is to provide illumination, encouraging viewers to have a deep appreciation for the complex and multifaceted terrain of black life and culture.
From her earliest memories, Arrita S. N. Robinson found herself enveloped in a milieu of artistic genius and intellectual prowess. Born into a family of multifaceted talents, she inherited her father’s photographic eye, her mother’s extraordinary intellect, and her grandmother’s adeptness with computers and desktop nuances. This diverse lineage provided a textured backdrop for Arrita’s growth.
Roosevelt Middle School bore witness to her budding artistic spirit. Here, under the mentorship of Art Teacher Seth Govan, she showcased her ambitious nature, crafting two distinctive murals during her concluding year.
Her ardor for arts education drew her to The Philadelphia Creative & Performing Arts High School, where she delved deep into General Fine Arts. This drive further propelled her through a comprehensive five-year program at Moore College of Art & Designs, remarkably rounding it off in a mere four years.
Refusing to rest on her laurels, Arrita further refined her craft, pursuing an MFA at the renowned University of the Arts, Philadelphia. Ever-evolving, she seamlessly transitioned into the digital realm, achieving an Accelerated Master’s in Digital Marketing from Fullsail University.
Now, with eyes set on the horizon and an indomitable spirit for continuous learning, Arrita is gearing up to embark on her Doctorate in Marketing come fall 2024. Her odyssey, seamlessly weaving art with scholastics, stands as a beacon for those who see challenges not as barriers but as gateways to grander triumphs.
In “Melanin and Charcoal: A Dance of Essence,” the raw vigor of charcoal effortlessly blends with the rich hues of melanin, offering a journey that captures the soul, spirit, and depth of black individuals. Each portrait is not just a reflection of a face, but a tale of resilience, dreams, and histories, resonating with stories from the vast expanse of the African diaspora. With every stroke, the charcoal pays homage to the resilience and beauty inherent in black skin, while simultaneously delving deep into the essence of individuality. This collection is a poetic dance between medium and subject, offering viewers an intimate connection with every gaze and contour. Dive into a world where art transcends the physical, making tangible the emotions, experiences, and elegance of its subjects.
Throughout her illustrious career, Arrita has been more than just an artist; she has been a beacon of inspiration and guidance for emerging talents. As an NAACP ACT-SO Coordinator, working alongside esteemed figures such as Mrs. Kathleen Coleman-Smith, the late John Henry, Nelson Parrish Sr., and Jerome Whyatt Mondesire, Arrita’s mentorship has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of many young artists.
Her keen eye for talent saw her recruit and nurture award-winning artists spanning a variety of art genres from Dance and Vocal to Instrumental and even Sciences. The ripple effect of her mentorship is evident, with her protegés furthering their studies in esteemed institutions like Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Temple University, Alvin Ailey Dance, Peabody, the Maryland Institute of Arts, among others.
A fervent advocate for the power of education and the journey of self-discovery, Arrita’s humility is striking. Despite her significant achievements and the numerous awards and citations she has garnered, she often refrains from discussing her accolades, firmly believing that the quest for knowledge and growth never ceases.
In a testament to her immense value and the weight of her contributions, her grandmother treasured and safeguarded the majority of her official recognitions. Arrita’s legacy is one of unwavering commitment to the arts, education, and the belief that there’s always more to aspire to.
