4 minute read
SCULPTING ILLUSIONS
The Multifaceted Artistry of Morgan Robinson
BY WILLIAM HANHAUSEN AND JOHN BERNHARD
May marked a remarkable debut for Morgan Robinson, an Oklahoma native turned Houstonian, whose exhibition and artist’s talk at Avant-Art Gallery captivated audiences. Renowned for his mesmerizing works that intricately blend wood and metal, Robinson is an illusionist who manipulates sleek three-dimensional forms through a fusion of surrealism, pop, and hard-edged neo-realism. Avant-Art Gallery Owners and Co-Founders Abbigail Haley and Ally Ondarza reflected on the exhibition’s impact, remarking, “The first time we saw Morgan’s sculptures, they left a profound impression on us. It’s a rare talent to infuse such harmony and life into a sculpture, making his art both captivating and unforgettable. His work is a testament to his extraordinary talent and vision.”
Morgan Robinson is a multifaceted abstract sculptor, entrepreneur, and self-made master. To him, being “polyphasic” means excelling in multiple genres, including sculpting, creating furniture, and designing jewelry. For those familiar with Robinson, the idea of his multitasking prowess comes as no surprise. He centers his work on images encountered in various objects, crafting specific forms inspired by the world around him. For instance, he once described how the conjunction of lines in a mother’s shoulder holding her baby influenced his practice, translating into the contours of Japanese ebonized wood. Robinson explains, “I make forms and give them function.”
Robinson’s ability to interpret the natural wonder of ordinary things, combined with his unique perspectives, is why his work is highly regarded in today’s contemporary art world. His geometric forms, crafted with a degree of illusionism, make a metal band appear to arch away from the wall, transforming paintings and furniture into sculptures.
Born in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Robinson spends most of his time in his studio in Houston’s Heights neighborhood. After studying at the University of Central Oklahoma, he moved to Japan to learn traditional woodworking methods at The Cultural Studies Institute in Nara, Hashimoto, and Wakayama. In Japan, Robinson’s artistic expression soared to new heights, inspired by the breathtaking beauty and spiritual depth of his surroundings.
The time spent immersed in Japanese culture, with its rich traditions and deep connection to nature, profoundly transformed him. Walking through tranquil gardens and forests heightened his senses and revealed a harmony between humanity and nature. These experiences became the muse for Robinson’s sculptures, which evoke a sense of connection as if translating the soul of the natural world into physical form.
Upon returning to the US, Robinson established his woodworking studio, merging Eastern philosophies of minimalism and sculptural form into functional, beautiful artistic statements.
The perceived beauty suggests a more insightful, meaningful spirituality. To quote John Ruskin, “Fine art is that in which the head and the heart of a man go together.”
Morgan Robinson’s dedication to the rigorous discipline of sleek three-dimensional forms reminds us to appreciate the dimensions of life normally again. “How awful life is,” Cezanne once wrote, offering advice to painters who lost their way: “Paint normally.” Perhaps we can better understand Robinson’s work, from the earliest to the most recent, by viewing them as “normal.” “Normal” is when perception subtracts the things that are not of interest to us. We cease to exist when we stop being significant to others.
Robinson’s artistic journey is illustrated by numerous exhibitions over the decades, balancing the weight of illusionist abstraction. He has had more than 40 solo exhibitions, educated for nearly 20 years, and been a tireless arts advocate. His sculptures, furniture, and installations are in permanent private and public collections, including the Oklahoma Contemporary, Sculpture Park Oklahoma City, and the Oklahoma Visual Art Coalition.
Morgan Robinson’s artistry transcends mere visual appeal; it invites us into a realm where form meets function, and nature intertwines with imagination. His works challenge us to see the extraordinary in the ordinary, urging us to reconnect with the intrinsic beauty of the world around us. As Robinson continues to evolve and inspire, his legacy in the art world remains a testament to the enduring power of creativity and the profound impact of a single artist’s vision on the tapestry of contemporary art.
