Bob Dilworth

Iris Project Resident: Sept. 9th - Sept. 24th, 2022

Bear Witness

I was struck by the important role public art played in sustaining a high level of conversation on issues surrounding social justice, equity, inclusion and accessibility during the 2020 summer of protest in the US. This is an “Afro-Allegory” of five figures in the act of witnessing a tragic event on the street. Their presence and gaze memorializes the event as well as bring accountability to the perpetrators. The figure on the ladder symbolizes an artist in the act of painting this mural, risking much to keep the conversation of social justice alive.

Venus

The two figures sitting on the sofa represent the same person. Venus was a close friend who live in Providence. Many years ago, she traveled the world as a well celebrated dancer, singer, actor and writer. She often said that “the universe is forever unfolding.” I wanted to show the power of this statement with unfolding layers of patterns

Margaret

Is a portrait of the artist’s mom who is surrounded by floral patterns and other garden elements. She floats contently, calmly as plants and flowers swirl around. Contradiction or tension is created between the stillness of the subject and the chaotic energy of the background, with each enhancing the other. The stillness brings more attention to the chaos, the chaos intensifies the stillness. It is also a statement about the need to find a place to rest, think and dream.

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Bob Dilworth received his MFA (1976) from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and his BFA (1973) from the Rhode Island School of Design. Residencies include Anderson Ranch Art Center, CO; and the African American Master Artist in Residence Program (AAMARP), Northeastern University, Boston, MA; among many others. His work is held in numerous collections including the RISD Museum, Providence, RI; Chicago Public Library, Chicago, IL; The Barnett-Aden Gallery Collection, Washington, DC and the National Gallery of Art for the Corcoran Collection, Washington DC.