Gallery1 is pleased to announce their current exhibition by frank d. robinson, jr. This exhibition is presented in partnership with Tougaloo College for The Tougaloo Art Colony, happening on July 12-17, 2015. Join Gallery1 for a reception at Gallery1 on Friday, July 17th starting at 6:00pm. This event is free and open to the public, food will be provided by Mangia Bene.

frank d. robinson, jr., born in Memphis, Tennessee, received his BFA from the University of Memphis in 1993. He also earned a Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Painting and Drawing in 1998 from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago prior to receiving his MFA in 2000. robinson’s art focuses on narratives and objects of everyday life. By skillfully reappropriating seemingly mundane objects such as, keys, wrappers, afro-picks, broken glass, and so much more – robinson takes his audience on a visual journey through an urban environment, revealing a shared history constructed from material consumption. His compelling works raise inquiry about cultural values, survival, and what do we see in our own communities. The exhibition’s subtitle, We Wear the Mask, is borrowed from Paul Laurence Dunbar’s poem by the same title. As Dunbar writes it, “Why should the world be over-wise, In counting all our tears and sighs? Nay, let them only see us, while…We wear the mask.”

robinson has received numerous residencies, awards, and is highly acclaimed for his humanitarianism. His work is in the collection of The University of Illinois, and will be featured in an upcoming group show at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis, Tennessee. Through his spirit of giving, robinson has donated a painting from this exhibit to be auctioned at the Jackson Free Press 2015 Chick Ball on Saturday, July 18th.

My Life Has Value: We Wear the Mask, is showing now through September 5, 2015. Gallery hours are: Tuesday – Friday, 10:00am -6:00pm, and Saturday Noon – 4:00pm.

On Friday, September 4, 2015, robinson will conduct a public program titled “I Wish I Lived In a Better World.” Participants will be led on a walking tour in West Jackson, and then collectively discuss ways to reinterpret or improve the area with art.

Space will be limited, please contact the gallery for more information and to RSVP.

For more information please contact Kimberly D. Jacobs, Gallery Director at 601-960-9250 or by email at gallery1@jsums.edu.