Exhibit Explores the Intersection Between Art and Social Justice
By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher, Prince William Living
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Manassas artist Robin Croft exhibits his latest work at the 34th National Drawing & Print Exhibition at Gormley Gallery. The exhibition, which runs from March 13th to April 21st, 2023, is a highly regarded showcase for artists in the field of drawing and printmaking.
Croft’s entry in the exhibition, titled “Battle flag (Gloria Richardson obit), 013022,” is a powerful mixed media piece that tackles race and civil rights issues. The work is made from a Manila envelope, popcorn bag, sandpaper, newsprint obituary, dollar bill, cardboard boxes, and grommets. The experimental frame of the piece features the collage sandwiched between plexi sheets, with two small grommets aligning with holes in the plexi to create a free-floating effect when the gallery screws the plexi/art/plexi to the wall.
The piece forms a shredded Black liberation flag to backdrop Gloria Richardson’s obituary and contribution to civil rights, a topic that Croft is passionate about. “As an effort at atonement, a subset of my work addresses sociopolitical concerns, especially regarding racist influences in my upbringing,” said Croft. “Though happening within a half-day’s drive from my hometown, several major civil rights events never came to my attention until adulthood. This is how states like Florida continue to muffle inequality and voting rights through education even today.”
Croft’s work represents a powerful exploration of the intersection between art and social justice, and it is a fitting addition to the National Drawing & Print Exhibition at Gormley Gallery. His entry is sure to be a highlight of the exhibition and a testament to the continued importance of art in addressing pressing social issues. Croft’s Instagram page displays his studio art pieces; his voice will be heard in the ongoing conversation around race and equality.
Rebecca Barnes is the Publisher of Prince William Living magazine and Brides & Weddings magazine. She is a lifelong resident of Prince William County and a volunteer with OWL VFD. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, being a Grandma, visiting Walt Disney World, blogging at Sightseeing Sidekick, reading, and sleeping.
