Robinson is a North Carolina-based artist and curator focused on identity and navigation. Much of their work reflects both inward and outward from one's own personal narrative and journey as well as the journeys of others they have encountered. The purpose of this search is to see the underlying things that unite us as one community but also to navigate the many realities in which we traverse into find balance between outward forces and inward forces to find peace.
Jordan T. Robinson
he/they
Raleigh, NC, USA
“Identity is super elusive to me. So much of the world responds to the labels that you carry and yet at the same time it's not as simple process to become an identity or disown one. Much of the process seems to weigh on the inputs of others and oneself begging the question who has real authority to define you and thus justify what happens to you. I grew up used to believing that one's destiny is not only tied to one's choices but also to one's character which influences one's choices. Now divorced from these concepts I'm looking to see a more peaceful solution something that allows us to find the peace and joy that we're looking for, be perpetually worth love and affection, and not get so hung up on the idea of righteousness and wickedness thus justifying harm done to someone and instead looking for a compassionate way for us to live in peace with consent to one another.”
"Shrine of Adventures: Found Objects & Memorabilia", Found objects, memorabilia 14" x 14" x 60", 2022How does your work relate to the theme connection?
“The shrine of adventures is made up of found objects from my personal collection of memorabilia that I've held on to for the past 15 years. These are items that have stopped people to talk to me and get to learn about that or me while I go on my journeys. Whether it was camping or traveling or going to an event or going to some place the necklaces and jewelry and staff and especially the hat has always caught the attention of strangers which then became friends by the time we split ways.
To me this sculpture is a gateway to friendships had and friendships yet to be made. The very objects we wear that personalize us help us stand out from others that mark us are also doorways for people to try to connect to us."
NYCJW24 @ UrbanGlass, Francely Flores
“A lot of my work I tried to make space for others to either make artwork with me or reflect on their narratives in the way that I do or service conversation pieces to help begin a dialogue that allow us to better connect an empathize with one another."
What role does connection play in your creative process?
NYCJW24 @ UrbanGlass, Simon Leung
What connection(s) does your queerness make to the world around you?
"Right now my friend circles in Raleigh and Greensboro help me feel at home. They also serve as a counter argument to the narrative that keeps playing in my mind that says that I am better off not existing or should not exist. Oftentimes I feel as though I need to change or edit something of myself in order to validate my existence and so to have friends that accept me imperfections and all helps me alleviate some of the stress from that narrative. I also think part of the queer identity despite it being such a massive umbrella term I think it is universal for all of us to defy expectation society keeps pushing on us. Are very existence is the insult to the arrogant who professed how we should be."
NYCJW24 @ UrbanGlass, Francely Flores
Anything else you would like to share about this work?
This can be an important part of the process, sourcing materials, or research.
“Usually I prefer this sculpture to be at the entrance of an exhibition so it is to greet viewers that come in and say farewell to those leaving, reflecting my very nature and spirit to any gathering wanting to Make sure I've given a chance to connect with everybody ... That an opportunity of friendship has been available."
NYCJW24 @ UrbanGlass, Simon Leung
[queerphoria]v4 @ ECU Symposium
