Constructed Ephemera: Momentum OKC 2014 Spotlight Artist Elliott Robbins

As a part of Momentum OKC, three artists received $2,000 Momentum Spotlight commissions to create new artwork with feedback from guest curators, Nathan Lee and Samantha Dillehay. Selected Momentum Spotlight artists are Eli Casiano of Oklahoma City, Elliott Robbins of Midwest City, and Katy Seals of Norman.

Acutely aware of art history, and unsatisfied with its presented diversity, Elliott Robbins creates his own narratives, inserting himself into art history to build his own, more accurately representational stories. Robbins received one of three Spotlight awards for his project “Constructed Ephemera”, debuting at Momentum March 7th & 8th.

Into the Vortex, Elliott Robbins, Woodblock, 27x21”, 2012

Using sculpey clay and found objects, Robbins’ spotlight project will feature three figures, approximately 3' tall, in various stages of development, showing the progression of his self-referential protagonist. Featuring mobile suits, props and sets for an imaginary landscape, the installation creates a narrative for the viewers, and recontextualizes the toy in a fine art setting.

Inspired by Kara Walker, Disney and Japanese toy designers, Robbins' inserts himself into various narratives to defy historical norms.  His young, black, male protagonist travels through his printed work and sculpture to re-examine history and its telling.

    

process shot of Momentum Spotlight Artist Elliott Robbins working 

Interested in the “narrative of American Illustration,” Robbins’ work references and appropriates art history to question traditional narratives. His protagonist confronts the “omission of blackness” in art history and creates a new narrative to challenge previous historical exclusivity.

Submissions for Momentum OKC are due by January 27, 2014 at 5 pm. Oklahoma artists aged 30 and younger are eligible. Momentum OKC opens March 7-8, 8-midnight, at the Farmer's Public Market, OKC. www.MomentumOklahoma.org