who is robin holder?
At nine years old I earnestly explained to my friends that I needed a store bought jump rope with wooden handles because the clothesline typically used for Double Dutch reminded me of lynchings.
As a biracial, multiethnic, American youngster in an activist African-Russian-Jewish-Caribbean family I developed a formidable interior dialogue that reflected my diverse heritage. While growing up in New York City I studied, explored and played in a community of widely varied backgrounds. I was exposed to a world of both complicated racial, class and ethnic conflicts and integrated harmony. I was intrigued by the cultural differences between my classmates, friends and neighbors and simultaneously aware of the danger of identity ignorance.
My mother cautioned me that being an African American Jewish female is automatic grounds for marginalization in the United States of America. I decided that the role of victim was unacceptable. While studying at the High School of Music and Art I realized I could be creative instead of reactive. I decided art making could be my constructive vehicle of experimentation, exploration, communication and courage! While living abroad I extended my perspective into a global point of view .
- quote, Agnes Gund, collector, educator, social justice advocate, president emerita of the museum of modern art
- quote, wes cochran, the cochran collection
- quote, robert dimaio, filmmaker, the artists archive
robin’s process
My visual language is rooted in layering, painting, printmaking, digital image manipulation, and drawing. I usually initiate a collection of works with a specific theme. I use a distinct combination of techniques for each series. At times I include a material, technique or procedure that I am not familiar with. This enables me to stretch beyond the known and discover new approaches. I develop my imagery by considering a series of questions that explore the idea. Some of my work requires extensive research. From time to time I’ll reference direct personal or societal events. There is an aspect of storytelling in my practice. I am most curious about the expansive and myriad manifestations of our human experience. Although singularly personal, I hope that my work reflects universal truths.
