Ashley Robinson

visual artist

Ashley planned to meet and network with Black artists at The Black Artist Retreat (B.A.R.), but the event was canceled due to COVID-19. Instead, she went to Chicago’s south side, where Theaster Gates, the founder of B.A.R, has revitalized a community. She visited the Stoney Island Arts Bank, a community bank that has been repurposed into a place for Black artistic expression, and Dorchester Projects, which was created to build community and elevate artists of color in the neighborhood. The Stoney Island Arts Bank is truly a gem. I saw art by Fred Wilson, Kara Walker, and Kerry James Marshall. My heart was broken when I was allowed to view the Edward J. Williams Collection. Normally not for public viewing, the 4,000 objects of “negrobilia” serve as a reminder of the past. Outside the Art Bank was the gazebo where Tamar Rice was murdered. Ashley’s Creative Renewal experience came at a time when a health crisis shattered her confidence and led to a deep depression. But she said her travels and the connections she made with Black artists in Chicago helped her believe that her work as an artist was “sufficient.” For a long time, I have been worried if my work was too Black or not Black enough. I feared the mostly white art community of Indianapolis wouldn’t understand the complexities of my Black experience. Theaster Gates’ Stoney Island Art Bank and Dorchester Projects are unapologetically Black…and this has pushed my work to be more assertive in expressing my Black experience. "I would like to plan dinners with Black artists and professionals to brainstorm action steps regarding art, culture, and politics. Maybe I can help recreate Indianapolis’ version of the Harlem Renaissance."

Ashley Robinson

@ASHKROBINSON