ARTIST TALK: ROBIN JEBAVY

ROBIN JEBAVY: 

I had the opportunity to see Robin Jebavy's art at the Wriston Gallery and her art was particularly striking. I believe Robin Jebavy's paintings are a spellbinding journey into the realms of nostalgia and memory. Through her intricate representations of glassware, she explores the fragility of our human condition and our intimate relationship with the outside world. Through her work, she transforms everyday objects (goblets, bowls, cups, plates) into symbols of poetic thought and memory. 

Plate with Wreath (Luminary), 2016

Set Table (Prisms), 2015, 2016

This exploration of memory and the intimate experience of the mundane aligns closely with my personal video project on the cultural and political history of Puerto Rico. Just as Jebavy's glass objects serve to explore the intersection of inner and outer worlds, my project delves into nostalgic memories of Puerto Rico's past, juxtaposing the daily lives of its inhabitants with the monumental impacts of colonization and cultural suppression.

Jebavy's work, with its delicate balance between structure and illusion, resonates deeply with the themes of my project. The glass forms of his paintings, reminiscent of cathedral interiors, evoke a sense of both grandeur and intimacy. This reflects the Puerto Rican experience, where the island's tourist attractions often overshadow the equally important personal stories of its inhabitants. By highlighting these stories, my project aims to create a tapestry of memories that honor the island's rich heritage and the resilience of its people.

Robin Jebavy's art inspires me to approach my project with a similar reverence for the past, embracing the fragility and beauty of memory. Her work reminds me of the power of art to connect us to our roots and to others, creating a shared space where history and personal experience converge.