Sweet Nothings (Star Gazing)
David Shrobe, Sweet Nothings (Star Gazing), 2022
Recently, my job sent me to Chicago for our annual conference and of course - I made it a mission to stop by a couple of galleries. The exhibits I indulged in were great but one of my FAVORITE things is when I can stumble onto a piece that wraps me into it so much that I can’t keep my eyes away from it.
I was walking between gallery spaces, with the gallery owner’s office open, and there was Sweet Nothings (Star Gazing) on the wall. Of course I stopped, and fortunately, gallery owner, Monique Meloche, started casual conversations with me, where I got to really ask about the piece on her office wall. From a distance, of course you can see the 2 figures embracing each other but I couldn’t quite tell what was really going on with the materials, whether it was painted, or just a collage piece….so she let me get real close.
You realize that it’s a mixed media piece where Shrobe is not only collaging, but painting and even carving on wood. Some of the fun in seeing art in person is to really experience the layers of the pieces. Lots of work, in my opinion, lose their essence when seen just through a photograph. Even the first overall picture of Sweet Nothings (Star Gazing) doesn’t give you the depth of what is really going on in the piece. As you get closer to the face (pictured above), you can see how Shrobe has taken different pieces of fabric to construct the face of the figure on the right.
Now - although the piece in itself drew me in, it wasn’t until Meloche gave me the download of how Shrobe creates his work. Originally born in Harlem, NY, Shrobe’s studio was located in an old family home. Within this space, Shrobe has been slowly taking pieces and parts from furniture, flooring, and any material he can get his hands on (without disturbing the integrity of the building) to incorporate into each piece. Meaning that each piece he’s created really holds a part of his own familial history. He has the ability to tear a piece off and reconstruct it to where he sees it fits best with the work he’s creating. Even the details down to the fingernails (pictured below) is intentional. Can you see why this is a want for me?
Shrobe isn’t only creating these intimate pieces for himself, but also to produce a new view on the classical portraiture style. By mixing in the various materials in a style that isn’t so classical, also creating timeless pieces. And a timeless piece is a piece that will always have space in my home.
Recently, in February/March 2024, Monique Meloche Gallery, located in Chicago, had a full on solo exhibit: Natural Sovereignty with more work from Shrobe that he’s been working on for the past couple of years. This is the last set of work that will be created in his familial home as he vacates his studio that is located in the basement.
