Exploring Surrealist Works by Ezekial Robinson
Ezekiel Robinson is an artist who's work reflects on the peculiarities of Atlanta's surreal atmosphere,delving deep into the absurd and abstract. A self-proclaimed "weird stuff" maker, Robinson finds inspiration in the everyday oddities that surround him. His art often incorporates found and acquired objects, each with its unique history and story to tell. In the streets of Atlanta, one can stumble upon bizarre curiosities, and Robinson has made it his tradition to unearth these hidden gems, scouring thrift stores in pursuit of the extraordinary.
He draws inspiration from a myriad of sources, including legendary artists like Kerry James Marshall, Kara Walker, and Gordon Matta-Clark, among others. Despite being largely self-taught, Robinson's artistic journey was far from linear, a moment of clarity, or perhaps madness, led him to choose between a life of violence or a life of art, ultimately embracing the latter.
One recurring theme in Robinson's work is hair—a topic deeply rooted in the black experience and his personal journey. Hair, he believes, epitomizes culture's obsession with aesthetics over health. He explores the intricate textures of hair, embracing the chaos and entropy within its natural processes. Robinson sees beauty in the curl, the loop, the spiral—He constantly sketches, and his hair often falls onto his sketchbook, serving as an unconventional muse and unique self-portrait.
Currently residing in Japan, his latest creations incorporate nuances from Kawaii and Otaku culture, exploring the interplay between masculinity and femininity, especially evident in the piece entitled Madame Woo, after the Tokyo stripclub, serving as a commentary on capitalist objectification. "The Death of the Salary Man” piece captures the essence of his daily commute, drawing from the works of Pope L. In this sculpture, Robinson condemns the oppressive weight of capitalism, symbolized by crawling induced by the foot that stifles society. With his unique blend of surrealism, found objects, and interesting take on identity exploration, Robinson is definitely one to watch.
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