Elsa Robinson

 

 

Reconnect presents an installation of soft sculptures, speaking to the theme of reconnecting and returning to the self. The work invites the viewer to arrive at their full potential, returning to the knowingness within. Crocheted loops and chains curve together as metaphors for connection internally and externally again and again– changing, moving and flowing through time and life experience. Regardless of religious beliefs or spiritual practices, the concept of the true self exists as an inherently human condition.

Using the language of feminist methodology, Elsa Robinson references the work of  women’s hands to convey positive messages and energy from her heart to yours. One of the predominant materials featured in the exhibition is jute: a natural fibre that carries the colour and scent of the Earth. Paired with jute, another recurring material in the work is brass. Like gold, brass is a symbol for truth, value, purity and divinity. The simplicity of materials and monochromatic palette repeated throughout the exhibition reveal the voices of embodied processes within the work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weaving My Thoughts workshop

In this all-ages workshop, participants will learn basic weaving techniques, integrating a variety of materials into their work, including: jute cord, ribbons, beads, safety pins and shells. Participants will be able to work individually or in pairs to complete the project.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elsa Robinson’s incredible textile installations utilize crochet techniques to explore the experiences that connect us all. Watch Elsa share a bit about her work and artistic process in this amazing video.

Special thanks to our media sponsor M3M for documenting this interview with Elsa and putting this fantastic video together for us.

 

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Elsa Robinson is a Jamaican-Canadian multidisciplinary artist and instructor based in Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton). Her decades-long devotion to her visual art practice imbues her work with vibrancy, versatility and an intuitive spiritual poignancy. Through years of study as a self-taught artist, a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alberta’s Art and Design program and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Vermont College of Fine Art, Elsa has honed the ability to transmit her deep love and care for humanity using painting, collage, sculpture, installations, dance and theatre. In 2012 Elsa received the Fill Fraser Award for Outstanding Work in Visual Arts, from the National Black Coalition of Canada. In 2022, she was shortlisted for the Eldon and Anne Foote Edmonton Visual Arts Prize, and she received the The Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal (Alberta) for her role as a community builder. In 2023, Elsa received the 2023 Artist of the Year RISE Award from the Centre for Newcomers, Edmonton. Elsa has served as a board member for Harcourt House Artist Run Centre, Edmonton Arts Council, Ribbon Rouge Foundation and Latitude 53 Gallery.

Artist website: https://www.elsarobinson.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Featured Artwork: Elsa Robinson, Being the Dance
(detail) , 8’ x 65’, Mixed media installation – jute twine, brass keys, 2025