Generations of Afro-Latino Art: A Basquiat Tribute
February's gallery features one-of-a-kind works inspired by the groundbreaking NYC artist Jean Michele Basquia, curated by Edmonton artist Pedro Rodrigeuz featuring his works alongside Elsa Robinson and Dora Restrepo. In addition to visual art, this opening will also feature live poetry readings by Shima Robinson, performances by Allan Suarez and Sebastian Suarez and live projections.
Pedro Rodriguez De Los Santos
Pedro is from Montevideo, Uruguay and has been living in Edmonton, Alberta for 12 years. Since this time Pedro has established himself as a successful visual and public artist in Alberta. He has completed multiple exhibits, coordinated public art and education workshops and completed several murals included two with youth.
Dora Restrepo
Dora originally hails from Columbia but now calls Edmonton, Alberta home. Still a newcomer to painting, her inspired works show the depth of her artistry. Painting on canvas with acrylic, her use of colour and perspective speaks of her time growing up in South America.
Elsa Robinson
Elsa Robinson was born and raised on the Caribbean island of Jamaica. After taking a few art classes in high school and post secondary, she moved to Edmonton in 1984, the same year she welcomed her daughter Shima into the world. Robinson went on to earn her Bachelor of Education Degree at the University of Alberta in 1990. After nearly a decade of teaching, Robinson’s artistic curiosity caught up to her when she completed her first painting in 1999. Since then she has gone on to win awards and earn her Bachelors Degree in Art and Design.
Shima Robinson
Amiskwaciwâskahikan aka Edmonton (Treaty 6)-born poet and spoken word artist Shima Robinson embodies, with every poem, the ancient meaning of her chosen pen name. Dwennimmen is the name of an ancient African Adinkra symbol, which means strength, humility, learning and wisdom. It is no surprise, then, that this veteran of the Alberta poetry community uses a searing intellect and dynamic precision-of-language to create poetry which ushers her readers and listeners toward greater understanding and poignant reflection. For Dwennimmen, poetry has long been a compass, a salve, an anchor and guiding light. She uses the potential and force of poetry to uncover the full range of her cerebral, linguistic and spiritual fortitude. This is why her every poem and performance testifies to an emerging power and wisdom, an authentic, deeply human potency which she hopes to pass on to listeners and poetry-lovers around the world.