Charlotte’s Tommie Robinson to serve as seventh Africana Artist-in-Residence
Local painter Tommie Robinson is the 2015 Africana Artist-in-Residence; this year’s theme for the residency is “Art, Environment and Race.”
Robinson will be in residence in the Africana Studies Department from Monday, March 9, through Friday, March 20. During his visit, co-sponsored with the College of Arts + Architecture, and in conjunction with the Latibah Collard Green Museum, Robinson will present “The Art of Environment and Race” at 2 p.m., Thursday, March 19, in the Cone University Center, McKnight Hall. On March 20, at 6 p.m., there will be an opening reception for Robinson’s exhibit “Environment and Social Justice” at the Latibah Collard Green Museum (720 Tuckaseegee Rd.) In addition, Robinson will facilitate a number of student-focused presentations on the relationship between his art and the environment, race and issues of social justice.
Described as the “first black artist in the Guild of Charlotte Artists,” Robinson works in oil, acrylic, water color, egg tempura and graphite. His art addresses a wide range of issues, from the experience of the Africa-descended population in the United States to urban life, the environment, racism and sexism.
A self-taught artist, Robinson recalled his interest in art began around age 8 following his father’s death. He explained that as part of the grieving process, he tried to do a portrait of his father. “I finally got a likeness about age 13,” he added.
He joined the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Germany. Upon his honorable discharge, Robinson enrolled at Central Piedmont Community College on the GI Bill to pursue an arts degree. He was later hired by the college to teach painting and ceramics.
Since then, Robinson has exhibited nationally. In Charlotte, his paintings have been displayed at the Mint Museum, the Gantt Center for African American Arts and Culture and the McColl Center. His work also has been shown at UNC Chapel Hill, Pfeiffer College, Davidson College and North Carolina Central University.
Long-time friend and fellow artist T.J. Reddy, the inaugural Africana Artist-in-Residence, has described Robinson as “one of the most competent, capable and consistent artists I know.”
Starting in 2009, the Africana Studies Department has collaborated with the College of Arts + Architecture, with support from the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, to sponsor the Africana Artist-in-Residence program. Its goal is to showcase the work of artists whose original perspectives and creative energy advance a deep understanding of the experiences of Africana people worldwide. Past artists include Tayo Aluko, an award-winning performer known for his work on Paul Robeson (2010); dancer John Perpener III (2011); illustrator Barbara Higgins Bond (2012); master woodcarver Kasali Akangbe (2013); and baritone Emery Stephens (2014).