Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
by Annie Murphy Robinson
28” × 22”
Sanded Charcoal on Mounted Paper
“This drawing portrays my daughter as the child of Perpetua, one of the earliest documented Christian martyrs, who faced death in the arena with unwavering resolve. At the time, she was nursing her infant—an act that underscores the profound sacrifice of a mother for her faith. In this imagined moment, I reflect on the heartbreak of such conviction, only to envision her child one day turning back to pagan worship. The piece speaks to the painful truth that, despite even the deepest love or sacrifice, we cannot impose our beliefs or will on others—not even our own children.
My technique is relatively unknown, I use sandpaper as a medium to embed dry material (charcoal and occasionally pastel) into heavy paper. Using this technique, I am able to “see” in the dark; I use a myriad of photographic references which allows me to lighten up the dark areas and balance them out with the lighter ones without washing out the details. Use of this technique takes the work to a “hyper-real” level and lends itself well to the pervasive feeling of melancholy that exists. My intent is to confront the viewer and ask questions.”
-Annie Murphy Robinson
by Annie Murphy Robinson
28” × 22”
Sanded Charcoal on Mounted Paper
“This drawing portrays my daughter as the child of Perpetua, one of the earliest documented Christian martyrs, who faced death in the arena with unwavering resolve. At the time, she was nursing her infant—an act that underscores the profound sacrifice of a mother for her faith. In this imagined moment, I reflect on the heartbreak of such conviction, only to envision her child one day turning back to pagan worship. The piece speaks to the painful truth that, despite even the deepest love or sacrifice, we cannot impose our beliefs or will on others—not even our own children.
My technique is relatively unknown, I use sandpaper as a medium to embed dry material (charcoal and occasionally pastel) into heavy paper. Using this technique, I am able to “see” in the dark; I use a myriad of photographic references which allows me to lighten up the dark areas and balance them out with the lighter ones without washing out the details. Use of this technique takes the work to a “hyper-real” level and lends itself well to the pervasive feeling of melancholy that exists. My intent is to confront the viewer and ask questions.”
-Annie Murphy Robinson