440 Gallery is pleased to present Unpresidented, a series of abstract portraits exploring the enduring struggles of the American presidency through the nation’s early leaders. Spanning from George Washington to Abraham Lincoln, the works reflect on political conflicts—states’ rights, federal power, expansion, and slavery.
Inspired by contemporary political unrest and the frequent use of the word “unprecedented,” the exhibition looks to history for context. Rather than literal likenesses, the portraits are abstracted to reveal shared pressures, contradictions, and the physical and psychological toll of leadership.
Robin Roi earned a BFA in printmaking from University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and an MFA from Claremont University in California. From 1974–1977, she was an Artist In Residence at the North Carolina Arts Council. In NYC, Roi held staff positions at The Drawing Center, The Heller Gallery and The American Crafts Museum. In 1983, she joined Evergreene Architectural Arts as a decorative painter. During her tenure at Evergreene, she was appointed Director of Decorative Painting and for over thirty years she designed surface finishes for some of the most iconic buildings in NYC, and advised top interior design and architectural firms around the country. Robin exhibits widely throughout the U.S. and her work has been represented by Barbara Gladstone Gallery, NYC and Bruno Bischofberger, Zurich. Robin currently devotes her time to her studio practice in painting. She became a member of 440 Gallery in 2020.
Opening reception Saturday, March 21, 5–7pm.
ZOOM Artist Talk: Sunday, March 29, 4:40pm
More information at 440gallery.com.
