Local artist Aminah Robinson commemorates her roots in Columbus with visually-rich forms of complex multimedia.
Robinson’s exhibit “Symphonic Poem” spans for more than 50 years to celebrate her childhood and other life experiences. The exhibit is open through April 20.
Robinson’s collection is the first comprehensive exhibition displaying her diverse works of art. “Symphonic Poem” is presented in five sections: The Grounding — The Family; The Neighborhoods and Pages in History; The Journeys — Africa, Sapelo, New York and Israel; The Book; and The Dollhouse.
In many regards, Robinson’s works reflect not only her personal history but documents the history of various communities. During Robinson’s attendance at the Columbus Art School (now the Columbus College of Art and Design), she worked at the Columbus Library, which allowed her to research communities she would present in later artworks.
“(Robinson) hopes that people will look at her work and realize the importance of understanding their own past and their own heritage,” said Carole Genshaft, co-curator of the Columbus Museum of Art.
Robinson places an emphasis on family and communities in her work, because of the impact her family and community has had on her own life. Her father, a skilled draftsman, taught her to draw as a child, while her mother trained her in the family tradition of bead and button work.
“I was born into (art). It was a way of life,” Robinson said. “It was the way we walked through life.”
Robinson is passionate about her work. She often spends 21 hours a day on her artworks and makes sacrifices to accomplish her goals. With very little time for a personal life, Robinson lives at home with her two dogs Pineapple and Sweetie.
“What I have is a vision for the future, that’s what I have,” she said. “So the work that is made, especially certain bodies of work, cannot go into individual homes.
“It’s to be an instrument for future generations to come. I just feel as an artist that I must do that.”
Robinson said she desires for people to view their own communities introspectively and for people to understand their families and their heritage is evident throughout her works.
Whether looking at journals, paintings or sculpture, Robinson emphasizes the importance of original individuals and their relation to the greater community. She said she hopes to inspire younger generations’ interest in their families’ past to better understand themselves.
Mary Elliott, spokeswoman for the Columbus Museum of Art, said she finds Robinson’s artwork something everyone can enjoy.
“It’s a testimony to the resilience of the human spirit, because all of her bodies of work champion families and community,” Elliott said.
As Robinson strikes a common ground of interest in her nationwide audience, she incorporates other communities in her works. Her deep roots in Columbus are always present.
“I never leave Ohio because I take Ohio with me,” Robinson said. “There are always two bodies of work — the work that is made from where I am, and another body of work from Columbus.
“I never forget Columbus — it gave me life, it calls me to live as an artist, no more no less, and that is simply a gift.”
Robinson spends her days pursuing her passion, and many who meet the artist develop a sense of respect for her.
“It’s been a real privilege working with her,” Genshaft said. “She’s a real intelligent person with a phenomenal memory, she knows about a wide variety of subject matters. She’s such a pleasure to work with.”
For those who enjoy Robinson’s work, the Kinney Art Gallery in German Village is selling pieces reflective of “Symphonic Poem.” The Gallery will feature Robinson’s work from Jan. 10 through Feb. 10.
