13 minute read
(r)Evolutionary
V U O R R O T N Y E L I A
BY
Advertisement
MAX B.
MARCUS
hen one passes by a mural on the side of a building, or wanders into a gallery or venue,
Wand catches a glimpse of a work of art, does it stop them in their tracks? Does it “rattle” them, “speak” to them, “move” them? These are all common questions one asks about the POWER OF ART, and how it can infl uence the human experience. The power of art is inexplicable at times, but it can and so often will...grab you by the throat, cause emotions to well up inside, take your breath away, and pierce deep into your soul. That is not only the power of art, but the beauty of artistic expression.
When we look at the work of the gentle giant (Brazilian born) Rubem Robierb, we see work that speaks volumes. Rubem is an artist, an activist, and an empath of great depths, and he channels his emotions and messages through each work of art. At every stage of his artistic journey, he continually seeks to evolve and express the powerful struggle between human nature, our environment, and the deeply spiritual realm of our existence. It’s always a thrill to probe inside the mind of the artist if we’re lucky enough to have that opportunity, so let’s see what this “boy wonder” has to say… get this done. I really work on a message and
MB Where were you born and raised, and how long were you there before you travelled abroad?
RR I am proudly born in Brazil in the lush northeastern region of Maranhao. I grew up playing on the riverbanks, and spent part of my youth in beautiful São Luis. At 24 years old my work was discovered by a French Art Association. They invited me to show my artwork in Europe and sponsored my trip to France. It was my fi rst international trip, just me and crates of my art!
MB At what point in your life did you know (feel) that
you would become the artist that you are today?
RR Humanity and its behavior are the main focus materials, techniques, and technology as well as
RR As a child, I always felt diff erent. Even then, there was a confi dence that I had a mission in this life. I knew there was something I was meant to do, or create, or say. But when I was young, I had no idea I could grow up to be an artist.
MB As a child, were you surrounded by other cre-
ative people (family, friends, community) that sparked your interest in the arts…or did you have your husband, do you feel a sense of relief and com-
“push back” from those around you?
RR I am the only person in my family to be in the “arts”. There was no art education or programs in my town. There was no place to encourage the creativity I felt inside. So, all the odds were against me to nurture an artist’s mind or even to get in touch with this energy. In Brazil, boys often dream of becoming football players. I was not into sports, so I spent most of the time on my drawings and studying the illustrations in old encyclopedias about dinosaurs and ancient civilizations. Because of this, I actually wanted to be an archeologist when I was child. This is something I hope to change in the world. I want children to be able to explore creativity and art.
MB Did you ever have doubts, setbacks, and/or hur-
RR There are always hurdles to achieve your dreams, but I never had self-doubt. To this day I don’t pause to think something is impossible. When I have any idea, I strategize how to project without thinking much about the scale or impact of it. There are ideas I have “placed on pause” until I can fi nd the right technology/ medium to bring them to life, but they are very much alive and with me.
MB What would you say is (are) your “source(s) of
inspiration”, and do you feel that you have been inspired (driven) by different infl uences throughout your life?
of my work. I am fascinated by contemporary society and its issues. Many people don’t realize how much an artist must study and research in order to make a consistent body of work from raw ideas. I am infl uenced by everything and every emotion around me. I am inspired by new the nature around me and I am passionate about building visual bridges and conversations.
MB As an openly “gay” man living in the USA with
dles to overcome in your artistic endeavors?
fort, and does that help you in the creative process.
RR I think we have all learned that progress is not permanent. There is always a struggle to protect rights. There are always people who seek to undermine equality and justice. I am indeed fortunate to be a part of this community, but this ‘relief’ comes with a huge sense of responsibility. We must all fi ght for others who cannot live safe, happy, and productive lives, and that’s when art and activism come together.
MB When you were a boy growing up, did you strug-
gle with “coming out” (if you did)? Was there anyone that you could confi de in about your personal feelings?
RR One day I hope our children will feel loved as they are, for who they are, perfect as they were created. But, in my small town I quickly learned
Top left: METAMORPHOSIS by Rubem Robierb at the Taglialatella Galleries in Chelsea, Manhattan in October 2018 Lower right: In his series, POWER FLOWERS, Robierb connects his bullet and war narrative with Andy Warhol infl uence.
Top left: Robierb with indigenous children in Brazil.
[Top right] HEART By Rubem Robierb, an acrylic and handmade screen with neon /diamond dust and Swarovski covered chrome darts on canvas. [Lower left] The visual prowess of Rubem Robierb’s BULLET FLY EFFECT
[Lower right] TRUTH by Rubem Robierb, 2017.
to be independent is to be strong. My head told me I would need to be fi nancially independent in order to come out to my family. But once I was independent, I didn’t feel the need to explain myself in any way to anyone. My life was an ‘’open book” for whoever wanted to see. There are always “spiritual gifts” along your path... people who “see” you and support your growth. always be grateful for these people! I should also mention my family has been incredibly supportive of my marriage and my husband.
MB Do you remember when you fi rst felt “free” in
your ability to be your true self?
RR When I moved from my small town to São Paulo, I had this feeling you describe. Sao Paulo is like New York; A big cultural melting pot full of opportunities, liberal ideals, and risks. But freedom has its price, and one must be willing to work for it. I was willing to pay the price. Also, there wasn’t really an internal struggle of me accepting myself. Being gay for me is a blessing, it makes me see the world and life in a unique way. As I like to joke “I didn’t choose to be gay, I got lucky”.
MB Who was (are) your “rocks” (those that you know will be there for you through “thick and thin”?
RR My husband.
MB Does your husband (I know he does) support
your creative work, and your passion for what you do?
RR Not only does he support my work and creative process; I often seek his thoughts. There are times when explaining a creation to him helps me clarify my vision.
MB Do you reciprocate that “empowerment”?
RR I do. We are a team in both our worlds. It’s remarkably interesting to me to also understand the challenges of his industry.
MB Can you remember back when you were a boy /
young man when you saw something / someone that inspired you to create? If so, what was it?
RR I can’t remember something that inspired me, but I do vividly remember a situation that showed me my intense desire to create. I was 5 years old and one day, for some reason, I missed school. When I was back in class the next day, I realized the day I missed was totally dedicated to sculpting classes. This day was an art show, and all my classmates were showing the sculptures they made from clay on the previous day... and I had none. They gave me a few completed clay sculptures in an attempt to make me stop crying, but I didn’t want them. My heart wanted to create my own. I REALLY wanted to make them. This day, I felt deep inside, I had just missed something that would be important in my life. I was devastated and no one could understand why...I remember yearning for the next sculpting classes...that never happened.
MB As an artist, do you fi nd that you enjoy exploring
(working with) new mediums, or are you more comfortable in one medium?
RR I’m an eternal apprentice with a desire to learn about every technique. Painting, photography, silk screen, spray paint, fi berglass, bronze, Neon light, diamond dust, steel, chrome... I use them all, but the medium is not the fi nal goal... the message is. Feeling comfortable is not good for creativity. As soon as I learn a medium, I jump to the next one.
MB I have seen quite a bit of your work, and so
many pieces resonate with me on many levels. Be it joy, introspection, excitement, etc. When you’re working on a piece (collection) are you ever thinking about the reactions you’ll get from those who have the pleasure of seeing them, or do you “get lost” in the work, and let it fl ow through you...realizing when it’s completed, that is reveals something you hadn’t even considered beforehand?
RR I have always felt that artwork has its own life. I know my vision, my dream, my intent of creation but, you never know exactly how it will come out and even less how people will react to it. Everyone may have a diff erent emotional reaction. That’s why, to me, it is important not to try to guess the viewer’s reaction. I only think about the quality of expression, the reason or message and let the piece have its own life and relationship with the viewer.
MB I’m sure that each work of art you’ve done has
been like “your baby”, are there any pieces that are your “favorite” or most precious. If so, which one(s) are they and why?
RR Always the most recent. But occasionally I will get the chance to view a past work and fall in love again.
MB How have you seen your evolution from a nov-
ice artist to a full-blown professional over the years? Do you feel that there are phases that were rougher than others?
RR I see all as a part of a beautiful and long journey, that is far from complete, and impossible to predict. The only thing I can ensure is how rich and fun THIS moment and learning process will be.
MB Do you ever feel “stuck” in your attempts to cre-
ate a new piece, project, or collection?
RR My inspiration and ideas come from all that is moving and changing around me every day. We always want things to proceed faster, that’s true, but “creativity” never was a problem. Considering that an artist’s career has no script and no formula of success, you must work most of the time in what seems like complete ‘’darkness’’. You need to be comfortable in your idea, with no feedback of how well received a work will be.
MB Are there things (i.e. environment, music, soli-
tude) that make creating easier (more pleasant), and on the contrary more frustrating and laborious?
RR All these things can help create a pleasant working atmosphere, but inspiration has never asked permission to happen, or waited for perfect conditions. When you receive inspiration, she just comes and presents herself.
when it comes to your work?
RR To prioritize my integrity of the statement over trends and demands. Also, I strive for a superior quality of fi nish in every work.
that bring you joy in your personal life?
RR When I open my eyes to a new day, I am doing what I love, for reasons I strongly believe... living with freedom, accountability, and integrity with the man I chose by my side.
MB You and your husband have been doing wonder-
ful things for the LGBT+ community and other civil rights causes, so can tell us how your work (art) played a part in that advocacy?
RR The art is my tool for advocacy because art and activism walk hand in hand. We both feel a duty to use our platform for social justice.
MB Beyond community activism and from a purely
artist’s point of view, are your “creative juices” fl owing? Are you currently working on new works of art? Surely the covid pandemic has brought us so much “life refl ection”.
RR At the moment, among other projects, I’m working on two large scale sculptures: a 12ft tall sculpture tribute to the “Heroic” health care workers and another large-scale sculpture about racial justice called ‘’PeaceMakers’’.
MB As the world is in the midst of this horrifi c pan-
demic, global warming, rampant racism, etc. how is it all affecting your ability to create? Some artists fi nd comfort (solace) in creating through the adversity, do you fi nd that to be the case for yourself?
RR Throughout history, the most diffi cult times were also the times that art and science fl ourished. The art renaissance came right after the plague. The more diffi cult the times, the more we MUST bring light and peace to the world. The conversations art brings to the world are the fi rst step manifesting a new and better reality.
Opposite page and this page: In 2015, Robierb was commissioned by the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to create an expansive work of public art to grace the walls of the Shade Post in Downtown Ft. Lauderdale. He chose his well-known and transformational fi gures of the butterfl y and the bullet to create large-scale murals on the building located in an area undergoing a rapid metamorphosis from challenged neighborhood to a hub of arts and culture as well as a valuable addition to the downtown transit zone.
